About cycling a reef tank

[akosirancid]

Hi im new to this hobby
I just want to know. Do i need to cycle my reef tank if i took the water from the ocean?

 

[kmbyrnes]

Welcome to Reef Central!

Yes, you need to cycle your tank. The water is the least important part of your tank's filtration system when it comes to keeping it safe for fish.

You might also benefit from reading the sticky at the top of ths forum called
SETTING UP: HOW TO! Comprehensive list of articles for the newbie aquarist!!!***

There is lots of good information there to help you get started.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1031074

 

[gone fishin]

I agree with kmbyrnes. The live rock will be your primary biological filter.

I have not ever used water from the ocean. I have seen numerous posts about it and the consensus seems to be that one needs to collect the water some distance off shore. The reasoning is that the water is less polluted than closer to the shore.

 

[NobbyFish]

I used ocean water from shore in my last tank years ago, never a problem. But in Australia... Comparatively clean water. But agreed, still needs it cycle.

 

[scooter31707]

I also heard that it's better to get the water well off shore as it is cleaner. I was told the water near shore is like the stuff in the skimmers we use. Don't know if that is true or not.

 

[bat21]

Cycling a tank has almost nothing to do with the water. You are conditioning the bacteria on your rocks to be able to filter your water for you. If you don't have that bacteria filter, it doesn't matter where you get your water, it'll still get toxic with ammonia.

 

[Daka]

Cycling is not a set time, it could be 3-4 weeks or even longer. Testing is the only way to check, time can vary. I used a shrimp to kick start mine.

 

[Khix2030]

If there is any part to take your time with, its the cycle. I just recovered from a tank crash due to bacteria loss. So like mentioned before water is not the biggest issue.