110 Catalina Aquarium Build

[alan j t]

Hi all,
I have a new tank I just setup up a new tank, wanted to document the build.
I have questions cycling with new rock with old seasoned rock from my other tank.
tank has been running at 1.025 for a week, I added live rock into the sump to share bacteria.

Should I add fish to keep ammo fed?
I heard Dr Tims can help with cycling.
Any other methods I should consider?

 

[kfisc]

Nice set up and congrats on the progress. I'd just let it cycle without the fish and let nature take its time. It spares you and the fish risk of stress and early mishaps. I always liked watching the progress without cycling additives, but there are plenty of people who will argue vehemently in their favor. For me, every tank has it's own unique environment and additives beyond mag, alk and calcium mask or hide finding out what that is first. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out!

 

[alan j t]

Ya I'm a big fan of really cycling a tank and getting it seasoned. Who knows what critters are beneficial to a reef tank.

Should I add pods now from the LFS? Im not sure if it's too early for that.
Tank has a marine depot light above it for now. Gives me a sense of completion seeing it lit up.

 

[kfisc]

I don't know about adding pods because I never did. Even rock that I had stored in water in a rubbermaid container, with just a circulation pump going, for more than a year ended up springing forth in pods within a few weeks. So did aptaisia, which was frustrating.

 

[griss]

I also take the slow approach. I’d hold off on the pods until you get some decent algal growth.