First Nanocube Tank! :)

[Osteichthyes]

Hello Reef Central Community,

I'm fairly new to the hobby, and I'm starting with a 12G JBJ Nano Cube DX. Currently I have 15 lbs of live rock in there (8 covered with coralline algae, and 7 lbs just live rock), about 15 lbs of live sand in there, and I just bought some ocean water from the LFS to put in. I currently have the system running, but I'm planning to upgrade from the cone water distributor to a Hydor Flo one. Along with that I also intend to upgrade the pump to a Maxi- Jet 900. Other than that I'm planning on just running on stock lights. I've done some reading, and read that putting a "raw shrimp" or something along those lines would help with the cycling and whatnot, but I'm not sure. Is there any advice you guys can give for a good cycling process?

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[blur456]

Lots of good advice in the stickies. There is more than one way to cycle. I started with the ghost feeding, got impatient after little parameter changes in 2 weeks, then added a raw shrimp for 3 days to give the cycle a push. I had a 1:3 live to dry rock ratio. Time is what you need, the process takes time -- about 6 weeks for me.

 

[Osteichthyes]

Thanks for the tips! Does anyone know if I'm supposed to leave my lights on during cycling?

 

[wnppmy]

I always used lighting at the start, but as also am still learning if that's correct.

As I'm from the old school after a week or two always added a small damsel or clown, frowned upon now, several new cycles, yet to lose one.

7 Month14G Nano
Clown, Cherub, Dotty, Turbo, Pygmy Octopus, Cleaner Shrimp, long Hair Mushroom, Pipe Organ

 

[blur456]

I don't think lights play a role in the bacteria cycle. That being said, would lights accelerate the occurence of initial diatom bloom?

 

[sponger0]

I always used lighting at the start, but as also am still learning if that's correct.

As I'm from the old school after a week or two always added a small damsel or clown, frowned upon now, several new cycles, yet to lose one.

7 Month14G Nano
Clown, Cherub, Dotty, Turbo, Pygmy Octopus, Cleaner Shrimp, long Hair Mushroom, Pipe Organ

Whether or not you lost one isnt the issue. The issue is it's an unsued practice and cruel to the fish. Lets through you into a room with toxic gas and then you can tell use when it's ok to come in.

I don't think lights play a role in the bacteria cycle. That being said, would lights accelerate the occurence of initial diatom bloom?

Whether or not it accelerates its, its going to happen. Before or after the cycle is done.

 

[Osteichthyes]

So would the lights play a role in accelerating the cycle? I know the when the initial diatom bloom occurs that's a good indication of maturation, however, I'm worried about the coralline algae on my rocks. Should I just leave the light on a regular schedule?

 

[wnppmy]

Been there, called A R M Y basic training.

Likely your right on the bacterial cycle for light, but organisms in live rock may benefit, but I was only a Lab Tech 101. Still learning.

 

[sponger0]

Lights are not going to speed up or slow down your cycling process. All it will do is get algae growth which your going to get sooner or later.

 

[Osteichthyes]

I see. Thanks a lot guys! I guess for now ill leave the lights on at half the regular schedule since I don't really want too much algae/diatom growth!

 

[sponger0]

Well when you go full light cycle youll just get more algae growth. I say let it run a full light cycle then youll be able to tell what youll have to do to clean it up once the tank is cycled.

 

[Osteichthyes]

I see. That does seem like a better idea then. Once a massive growth occurs should I take advantage of that and throw in my clean up crew so they can feed?

 

[sponger0]

Exactly. Once it's cycled, youll know what kind of nuisances are there and you can chose a clean up crew based on that. And also know what to do. I wish someone would had made me aware of this when i began....but then again, I probably wouldnt have listened cause I was too excited lol

 

[Osteichthyes]

I see. What would you suggest for a good cleaning crew against algae? Hahaha to be honest I am super excited and just want to start throwing things in, but I don't want to mess up the tank haha

 

[sponger0]

Depends on what grows lol.

 

[Osteichthyes]

I see, guess I just have to wait until the initial growth. Thanks a lot sponger0!

 

[sponger0]

Your welcome. Just take your time. And learn as much as you can.

 

[Osteichthyes]

Does anyone know if buying the Expediated Cycling bottle will actually help?