Questions/Confirmations (Cycle/Other)

[johanasu]

I've had my reef tank up for over two years now but I'm just wanting to confirm some thoughts about cycling our tanks at school:

1. Bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle are NPS so lights off during cycle to prevent increased algae growth?

2. Are there three levels of bacteria? NH3 > NO2, NO2 > NO3, NO3 > N2?

3. A brown dusting on the glass/sand is pretty normal in a system unless it is ULN? This can be countered with low nutrient input, skimming, GFO and CUC?

4. Our less expensive T5HO lights don't have separate daylight/actinic, should 8am-4pm be an ok light cycle for both to be on?

5. Generally speaking, what are the average reef tank paramaters?

 

[johanasu]

6. Bacteria live mostly in rocks and sand, not the water column. For this reason water changes during cycles are suggested?

 

[evolved]

1. Correct; lights are not necessary and can fuel unwanted growth
2. Correct
3. Yes, and yes. But even in ULNS it can be present. Sometimes it's diatoms (caused by excess silicates; you can consider using a Silicabuster cartridge in addition to the rest of your RODI system). Keeping phosphates low certainly helps.
4. That sounds about right.
5. I'll refer you to the infamous article on that: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/
6. The majority of your beneficial bacteria colonize surfaces, yes. However, most experienced reefers will advise NOT to do a water change during cycling, as it can prolong the cycle.

 

[johanasu]

Thanks for the feedback evolved. There certainly seems to be some debate about water changes during cycling. I didn't do any on my two tanks at home but I seem to hear opinions both ways.

 

[evolved]

As many things in reefing, there's always differing schools of thought on any subject. Take advise from any one source with a grain of salt, do your own research, and form your own opinion.

I specifically used the word "most" for good reason.

 

[johanasu]

Definitely have to forge forward with the best information you can find. Thanks again and thanks to coralreefjunkie for a great private message with responses to my questions as well!