Finally got my first sw tank cycling. Thanks to those who gave me advice.

[flycasterjosh]

So, here is the thing that those of us that have been in it for a while have learned. It seems in general that we all have a different experience with cycle, timing, algae blooms, etc. Even the most skilled aquarists have difficulty at times, but at the end of the day you do what works for you.

If you want to dose Vodka, and you think it made a difference, go for it, I might just try it myself sometime. If you want to overfeed a few days before intro of a new fish, go for it, it might just work.

I personally have enjoyed very short cycles with uncured LR, but I have seen other folks like Aholin have (I am assuming) major hassles, thus your input. Nothing personal, but your opinions are a bit strong when this hobby is at many times more an art than a science.

TTRex, I am stoked that your cycle has been short, and if you lose some of your livestock due to impatience, that sucks. It looks like you are working hard for every dollar to support your hobby and if you are willing to risk it more power to you, it is your lost money.

Please keep posting your progress, and if you ever need any advice (I dont know everything, thats for sure), please drop me an IM and I will try to help.

The guys at FAOIS are awesome, but I think you can save yourself some money in the future for hardware, etc. Keep an eye out for used stuff, and also look in the DIY section for projects that can save you big money, like the Maxi Jet conversion.

Peace Out,

Josh

 

[CanadianReef]

Ah, I understand. You are working under the assumption to get the new bacteria growing you must have the ammonia spike that it eats. This is not true, the reason why sugar/vodka work is because they speed up multiplication in bacteria. So as these bacteria are multiplying the increased food is beginning to produce ammonia. On day 4-5 the first days food is well into ammonia stage at this point the bacteria you have been multiplying have enough to eat to survive and continue at a new feeding level. That is why it is a jumpstart. The other bacteria are similarly affected but to a bit lesser degree.

 

[Acolin]

In the decades that I have been in this hobby, I have seen far more to indicate that heavily loaded live coral home miniature reef aquarium keeping is more like science than art. The beauty of this interesting hobby is that it is three parts art, craft and science:


Art
“However, in the modern use of the word, which rose to prominence after 1750, “art” is commonly understood to be skill used to produce an aesthetic result (Hatcher, 1999). Britannica Online defines it as "the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others"[1].”

Craft
“A craft is a skill, especially involving practical arts. It may refer to a trade or particular art. Crafts as artistic practices are defined either by their relationship to functional or utilitarian products, such as sculptural forms in the vessel tradition, or by their use of such natural media as wood, clay, glass, textiles, and metal.”

Science
“Science in the broadest sense refers to any knowledge or trained skill, especially (but not exclusively) when this is attained by verifiable means.[1] The word science also describes any systematic field of study or the knowledge gained from such study. In a more restricted sense, science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on empiricism, experimentation, and methodological naturalism, as well as to the organized body of knowledge humans have gained by such research.”

So, no, I do not think that this hobby is more art than science. In fact, if sugar or vodka is not more bioload, but merely speeds up bacteria replication, then this practice is neither art nor craft. It is science.

If I seem resolute, it is because newbies should be encouraged to go slow. I neither expect them to master the art of reef-keeping immediately, nor to develop hobby skills instantly. I do hope they learn the science slowly.

 

[ichthyman]

My intent with recommending vodka was to speed up the curing time of the liverock. TTRex purchased fresh rock that was heavily encrusted with various species of stony corals. IMO, the normal duration spikes of ammonia and nitrite associated with curing would’ve resulted in few, if any, of the corals surviving. I have used vodka in this fashion many times without any apparent negative effects. However, this “trick” was not meant to be used as a method to create an instant tank and, as always, I would strongly urge patience.

 

[W Ellis]

I didnt intend to start a debate when i posted that my tank had cycled i only was trying to post an update. I realized patience is of the essence in this hobby i have learned that myself with my cichlid tank. If my levels were not safe for livestock i would have waited to put anything in the tank. This hobby is way to expensive and is unfair to the fish to rush and put them in an enviroment that is unhealthy and unsafe. I understand that many people have tanks that can take like 4-6 weeks to cycle. I was fortunate enough to have been through the ammonia and nitrite cycles within 2.5 weeks. I realize that the nitrate level may have been a little on the high side but has been steadily been coming down and last night was at 5ppm. And yes John told me about dosing vodka to help with the curing of the live rock and for me it worked great.

All in all i just wanted to share my experience as the tank has been progressing. I do have patience and am not out to throw my money away. I do work very hard for it. I also know that i have alot more to learn about keeping a saltwater tank and am on here every night trying to learn whatever i can. Everyone that has helped me so far has been very knowledgable and has helped me get through the first stages very smoothly. I be going slowly as i add more things to the tank and am not going to rush and get myself into something that can be avoided.

 

[W Ellis]

flycasterjosh: Thank you for mentioning the maxijet mod. O had seen something about it before i got my tank set and and bought some maxijets. And of course i completely forgot about it. I just went through a couple of the threads and i think i have a project for this weekend. I think i will mod 2 of them and leave the other 2 to circulate water behind my rock. I watch a video and its amazing how much more flow you get with the mod. Between those and hopefully will have my new lights i should have a productive weekend.

 

[TAMike97]

As you probably already know...There is also a huge difference between a cycled tank and a mature tank. Do a search for an article posted by Eric Borneman on the difference between mature and cycled tanks. Here are some other links...
http://www.ericborneman.com/Biographical/My writings/The Old Becomes New 1.pdf
http://www.ericborneman.com/Biographical/My writings/The Old Becomes New 2.pdf

 

[W Ellis]

I i got a start on my lighting upgrade today. I went to FAOIS and picked up an Icecap 660, 4-54w Geissman bulbs (the bluish white ones), 4 Icecap reflectors, end caps and stand offs. Unfortunately i still have to use my old 4 ft T12 actinic bulb, but hopefully i will be a able to get another setup like this one and get some t5 actincs in the tank. Install went smoothly and the tank looks so much better. I didnt realize how bad my old lighting was till i turn the t5s on. What a difference!!!

John thank you for showing me all the options and being patience with me taking forever to make a decision. I cant wait to come see you to get some corals.

 

[mflamb]

I'm looking forward to meeting some of the Tampa Bay reefers and getting over to FAOIS. I enjoy reading the strong "discussions" on the club forum.