Going nuclear

[Chris_F]

I have a 53 gal custom cube that just got out of hand so I tore it down completely. I totally cleaned the whole system with bleach and ran fresh water through it for a few days. Afterwords I filled it with 50lbs of dry Marco rock and 40 lbs of live sand and a bottle of bio spira. I had no where to house my two Mocha Clowns, Melanurus wrasse, Candy cane, Hammer, Duncan, and plating Monti for an extended period so I had to put them back into the tank. Any tips on not creating another disaster

 

[kharmaguru]

No choice but to watch it now. Keep your flow high and the surface moving. Maybe run some carbon if you have residual chlorine worries. I bet it'll be fine.

How do things look now - happy or mad?

 

[Chris_F]

Its been a week and everyone looks happy just a little worried as it cycles. I am running an mp40 for a good flow. I run it on reef crest to vary the flow.

 

[kharmaguru]

Its been a week and everyone looks happy just a little worried as it cycles. I am running an mp40 for a good flow. I run it on reef crest to vary the flow.

Corals will be fine. They don't have blood and therefore are not overly sensitive to ammonia (in fact they can use it as nitrogen). You only have 3 fish in 50+ gallons and you added nitrifying bacteria so I'm still thinking no problems, but they are the ones to watch. Are you testing ammonia or nitrite? Do you have the ability to summon a large water change if necessary?

Ask Reef Builders #3: How Long Should I Cycle A Reef Tank Before Putting Corals In? | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

 

[Chris_F]

I can do large water changes when needed. Going out today to buy new test kit today.