My new Red Sea Max

[JohnniG]

I set up my Red Sea Max 250 (65 gal) just about a month ago, with dry/dead rock that has been dried out in the sun and hosed down and left there for a couple of months. I added sand and the tank stood for a month or so because I was searching for someone who could help me add something that was alive. A guy gave me a few very small rocks that he had in his big 200 gal tank that was fully running and he gave me a cup of his sand as well and since then, a month has passed. Today I measured 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite and the nitrate was measured with the red sea test set and was closets to 2. Maybe the 5.

My question is this. How far am i in the cycling proces? Because i havnt had any algae blooms. The rocks have gotten a few spots of darker color but they are mainly still white and the glass almost have zero algea as well. It looks rather clean. No algae is bad right? Im a month in and a bit confused.

 

[JohnniG]

Anyone?

 

[TrevorHenry]

Did you go through the algae phase? Were you testing in the previous weeks? You should notice spikes then all 0s. Once you get down to 0s you're pretty much good to go.

 

[JohnniG]

No algae, no. This is the first time I tested unfortunately.

 

[Noknock]

Since you have nitrates you should be through the cycle. I've transferred tanks just like you set it up and when nitrates are low is when i move everything over. I would add a bottle of bacteria(like Instant Ocean Bio Spiria) and then start adding things slowly. Some people don't like bottled bacteria but I've used it with success when setting up a new tank with all dead rock and added things instantly.

 

[juniorrocketdad]

I wouldn't bother with bacteria in a bottle since your tank is most likely already cycled meanings you already have the bacteria in your tank

 

[JohnniG]

Since you have nitrates you should be through the cycle. I've transferred tanks just like you set it up and when nitrates are low is when i move everything over. I would add a bottle of bacteria(like Instant Ocean Bio Spiria) and then start adding things slowly. Some people don't like bottled bacteria but I've used it with success when setting up a new tank with all dead rock and added things instantly.

I wouldn't bother with bacteria in a bottle since your tank is most likely already cycled meanings you already have the bacteria in your tank

Ty guys. However. Is there such a thing as SKIPPING the algae bloom?:uhoh3: Since I havnt gotten it.

 

[Noknock]

Yes, I have skipped it a couple of times. I think it just means there are no phosphates or fuel in the water to support a bloom. You could just have really clean water. Add livestock slowly and you should be good.

 

[JohnniG]

Yes, I have skipped it a couple of times. I think it just means there are no phosphates or fuel in the water to support a bloom. You could just have really clean water. Add livestock slowly and you should be good.

Cool. Ill try and add 4 turbo snails and two shrimps.