cycling with algae

[Grym]

As the tank cycles it makes a lot of ammonia then nitrite then nitrate and then the nitrate goes down and you basically done cycling, about 4-6 weeks traditionally. Anyone ever try using a lot of macro or micro algae in the tank during cycling? That would use up some of the nutrients but my question is do you think that slows down the cycle or speeds it up or no difference. The bacteria multiply at a pretty fixed rate given food and its their waste making food for the next step. maybe a lot of macro algae or micro algae would lessen the peaks of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. And the cycle would take the same time?
Sorry if this elsewhere on the forum I cant find it.

 

[MattAndKim]

If you assume that bacterial growth is proportional to the input nutrient load and is unaffected by concentrations of other nutrients, I think using macro would have similar effect as doing water changes during a cycle. If you really want to limit the peaks, doing water changes may be more effective.

 

[imcosmokramer]

interesting idea.

 

[HighlandReefer]

Cycling a tank so that the nitrates and phosphates are kept very low so that microalgae does not become a problem is what I would want to achieve.

Any method to reduce the nitrates and phosphates would be beneficial. I would not want to use microalgae myself. Macro algae which does not become a nuisance would be desirable. I have been contemplating the use of API's AlgaeFix Marine for cycling a new tank I will be starting soon, to help prevent microalgae from becoming a problem.

I have come to the conclusion that using live rock, can be a major problem. I am leaning toward using dead rock and sand now after experiencing so many problems from using live rock. Introducing bacteria from a clean source is more desirable to me. Cycling a tank with dead rock and sand should not increase the nitrates and phosphates comparable to using live rock and sand.