Hellion179
New member
Is it possible or a good idea to add macroalgae while the tank is cycling? 6 to 8 weeks is a long time to wait and I'd like to get this new tank started!
Thanks
Thanks
Adding macro while cycling?
- Thread starter Hellion179
- Start date
reefgeezer
Active member
Welcome to the more than one way to skin a cat club...
Cycling is intended to populate bacteria that reduce nitrogen compounds. The size of these bacteria colonies are determined, in part, by the nitrogen level in the water. Macro Algae binds nitrogen compounds so they aren't available to the bacteria and may limit the colony you are trying to grow. I'd wait.
Cycling is intended to populate bacteria that reduce nitrogen compounds. The size of these bacteria colonies are determined, in part, by the nitrogen level in the water. Macro Algae binds nitrogen compounds so they aren't available to the bacteria and may limit the colony you are trying to grow. I'd wait.
Dkuhlmann
New member
I agree with reefgeezer, wait until your cycle is finished and don't be in a hurry to get to the finish line or it will cost you in the long run. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby, sit back and watch your bacteria grow :lmao: It will be time to add macro algae, cuc and fish before you know it.
The nitrogen cycle is creating the bacteria that will consume the waste from your fish (ammonia) the stronger the bacteria and the more of them allows you to have more fish than if you didn't have any bacteria. Let them grow.
The nitrogen cycle is creating the bacteria that will consume the waste from your fish (ammonia) the stronger the bacteria and the more of them allows you to have more fish than if you didn't have any bacteria. Let them grow.
Mishri
Active member
I don't believe in speeding up/slowing down a cycle. Your tank is constantly cycling, anytime you over feed or add anything new.
I believe the reason people fear the cycle so much is 1) trying to add too many fish too quickly. 2) They start with all dead rock/sand.
starting with live rock gives you an edge. always add fish slowly.
The only time ive ever waited for a tank to cycle is when I've ordered my live rock online, wait for ammonia to hit 0 then I add fish. if I use live rock from the store I add fish the next day. My 75 gallon tank is all dead rock, but even that had a cycle, as there was live stuff on it, once ammonia was 0, added fish. never saw ammonia hit anything to worry about after that (until I dosed CP)
I believe the reason people fear the cycle so much is 1) trying to add too many fish too quickly. 2) They start with all dead rock/sand.
starting with live rock gives you an edge. always add fish slowly.
The only time ive ever waited for a tank to cycle is when I've ordered my live rock online, wait for ammonia to hit 0 then I add fish. if I use live rock from the store I add fish the next day. My 75 gallon tank is all dead rock, but even that had a cycle, as there was live stuff on it, once ammonia was 0, added fish. never saw ammonia hit anything to worry about after that (until I dosed CP)
Same here. Started with live rock live sand. Had a week cycle and the rest was cruise control. had tons of pods.
Still do.
