Live Rock Puzzle

[LAMBrose1994]

After hours of moving rocks around I've finally got a set I'm happy with (for now anyways)

I'm going to let my tank cycle for about 3 weeks before even thinking of adding any marine life, what hours should I keep my lights on while it is cycling so I don't have algae take over?

Anyone got any pointers what I should do in the mean time?

Thanks Guys

 

[jrp1588]

The top center rock looks very unstable and top heavy. Does it wiggle at all? I'm nervous it'll fall.

 

[LAMBrose1994]

Good point, looks bit worrying now you mention it

It's tied to the rock underneath and is resting on the back, given it a wiggle and seems okay was thinking putting it on the rock on the left but was worried about it restricting the filter :-S

 

[nmotz]

That's some nice looking LR. How long you keep lights on is a matter of personal preference, but there shouldn't be a whole lot of algae in the tank until you have some nitrates for it to feed on. That will also indicate the end of your cycle. I've kept my lights on a normal 14-15 hr/day schedule during a cycle in the past with no algae issues (again because there won't be any nitrates initially).

Once the tank is cycled, you will probably have some issues with algae until the tank becomes more settled. It happens to everyone in one form or another. When that occurs, refer to the stickies at the top of this forum. They have great info on how to combat algae problems.

 

[LAMBrose1994]

Thank You, I shall read and research more in the mean time

I'm watching like a hawk for aiptaisa and any pests - looks all good as far *fingers crossed*

 

[shesacharmer]

Lights are not required to cycle the tank so you can leave them on when you are around and off the rest of the time if you want to or just put them on the timer you intend to use going forward.

 

[cangrejo]

Looks cool to me