I was wondering if anyone has any tips on the cycle process for a new tank. And I have a few questions: Do you run any filters? Do you run your sump? Do you run your refugium? Do you run the lights and skimmer?
I cycled mine with uncured LR. I ran everything except my MH lights. I did run the actinincs, just because it drove me mad not being able to watch what was going on in there.
I didn't have a fuge when I was cycling but I ran everything else. I do not believe that you should ever cycle a tank using critters. Your LR is all you need.
Same here, uncured LR. No reason to run any filters, I simply ran mr retrn pump to keep the water moving. You can run some lights, but it is better to only turn them on for viewing. I ran my skimmer, although I don't think that matters much until the cycle is over.
Just don't rush it, majke sure the cycle is over before moving forward. As the cycle progresses, you should see changes in the tank such as a layer of detritus, which will be consumed once you introduce you cleanup crew, may some algae of different types.
I used partially cured LR (1-2 weeks cured at LFS) in my 24g. I made the mistake of not testing the water parameters during the first 4 days, and only caught the end of the slight Ammonia spike in my tests, but did witness the Nitrite and Nitrate spikes after that as I tested every other day. It took 2-3 weeks to settle down to my satisfaction, and I waited another week before my family pressured me into getting some critters. I think the diatom bloom occurred between week 3-4. As long as your parameters are decent and steady, I think the diatom bloom is a good signal that you may be ready for a cleanup crew.
I did not have to use a piece of frozen/fresh shrimp to get the cycle started, nor did I run a skimmer or any lights during this period. Even though I agreed with the LFS that the light would only promote undesirable algae, in hindsight I wished I took a week or two more to discover and solve the temp swings that occurred as soon as I started using the lights before introducing any inhabitants.
One tip in your aquascaping is to keep all rocks away from sides (especially the glass) if you can. This will promote flow (reduce dead spots where detritus collects on - and eventually in - your substrate) and make it much easier to clean the glass surfaces. I wish I had done this, although in a nano cube it proves very difficult to achieve when your trying to provide 1-1.5 pounds of LR per gallon.
I will be using 15 lbs of Marco Rock and 5lb of lr rock rubble from PA. Do you think I will have a very dramatic cycle ( lots of odor and such)? If so I may cycle it in a 18 gal Rubbermaid container with heater and powerhead to move the water. What are your suggestions?
I've never used any of the cycle in a bottle products. That being stated, IMO why pay for what you can achieve for free with just a little patience? I'd rather save my $$ for critters.
I agree with Carmie. I've never used the bottled bio crap. Do it the natural way right from the start. Set the tank up with sand, SW and LR (cured or uncured). There is so much un-needed and un-necessary product on the market it's rediculess. Save your money. Keep asking questions here. Most of us have made mistakes, you don't need to if you ask questions before you buy something/anything.
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
I did use the bottled stuff, but i really don't think it did any good at all. Personally i think it was a waste of money.
Oh well, reef and learn.
I didn't add much to my tank to get it going in terms of LR and LS. I tried rob's method of adding a whole table shrimp and letting it rot in the tank. That kicked it off really quick! Also, since all the water and sand was new and dead, i added a couple of cups of water and live sand from the LFS to add the bacteria.
__________________ Samuel
"If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.... There is magic in it. Let the most absent-minded men be plunged in his deepest reveries--stand that man on his legs, set his feet a-going, and he will infallibly lead you to water, if water there be in all that region."
Thanks for the info guys and gal. I will get my rock from Marco Rocks tomorrow and my lr rubble from PA hopefully tomorrow also. If so I will have somethng to do on Saturday!!!!
Ampage, i wouldn't expect any other answer coming from your lips, thats cause your cool old-school brother!
Nu lim methods incorporate bactrial strain eddition guys, just dont be so quick to abandon it cause its a shelf product to the means you can aquire natrally. Im not saying all lab grown products are the way to go, quite the oppersite actually. just dont close you mind to the gains that can be hand from modern day convenience.
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