Hi
Thought I better sign up since I have no idea what I am doing with my new 29 Biocube.

I have had it running for about 5 days now with lr and ls. Today I noticed nitrite was 0.25 is this ok, or should I do a water change?

No skimmer or heater as of yet. Temp range 71-76

Ammonia 0
Nitrate 0
Nitrite 0.25
PH 7.8

I just want to be sure to cycle correctly, not sure if a water change would slow the cycle. Also will the Nitrite hurt the rock and sand?

Any input and what to expect through the cycle. Please explain cycle stages and what to do.

I have several fresh water, but first salt water.

Thanks in advance

Dont bother doing a water change just yet. I would let the bacteria break it down into nitrate and then do a small water change. At that point you should be able to start stocking the tank (slowly of course). In the mean time...RESEARCH! Its a great time to figure out what critters you want to keep in your tank.

As far as cycling stages and other questions, have you downloaded and listened to the Talkingreef podcasts? They're totally free and packed with info that will probably cause your head to explode if you try to take it all in too fast! :D

I would suggest a heater, preferably with an independent thermedic controller. I like to keep my tanks around 78-80. The independent control acts as a redundent system just in case the heater gets stuck in the on possition. A skimmer is a good idea, you may not need it right away but down the road it is very advisable to have one.

welcome bud, pull up a chair & see whats cooking!

yup, start with the podcasts, rob the site owner has gone to heaps of trouble to provide stepping stones into this hobby, & makes for easier learning cause you can pause, go back or fast forward what you need to understand it. Ask questions in the forums on topics you dont understand or would like a broad opinion based on experience.
sound a good place to kick off the salty ways? we hope so, the whole site is geared that way!

Thanks for the info, I have been watching and listening to the podcast. I will try and post some pics of progress.

:welcome: to TR! Glad you decided to officially join the gang! Glad to see they have you squared away. They are always so good about that. In case you would like to do some further reading on some of the issues that you mentioned, here are a few articles that you may find useful. :agree: Would also love to see you start a tank journal so we can follow along with your progress. It'd be awesome as we all share our accomplishments and disappointments here!



Filtration Basics by Doug Wojtczak - Reefkeeping.com (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/dw/index.php)

Reef Aquarium Water Parameters by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php)

Develop a Successful Reefkeeping Strategy by Doug Wojtczak - Reefkeeping.com (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/dw/index.php)

http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2351&d=1203599271

http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2352&d=1203599271

New Rock

http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2353&d=1203599271

Custom stand I built for around 50 bucks

http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2354&d=1203599271

as of yesterday

PH 7.8 (been adding buffer to raise)
Nitrite 0.50
Nitrate 0
Ammonia (trace)
SG 1.022 (might raise to 1.025 after cycle)
temp range 72-74 (working on raising a few degrees)

Tank started 02/16/08
LR 10lbs more comming Curing in another tank
LS
water LPS RO salt mix

Any input would be great, can't wait to get a clean up crew to see some movement.

Hi Joe,

:welcome: to TR. You've gotten some good advice already. I just want to emphasize listening to the podcasts! The early ones are really aimed at the beginning hobbyist.