Hi all, I'm setting up my first saltwater tank using a sump. I've used cannaiter filters in the past (I know terrible) but this is my first sump. So I have a 75 gallon tank. Using a trigger systems CS30 sump, bubble magus curve 5 elite protein skimmer and return pump. I'm going to purchase the refugium starter kit from algae barn with cooepods and chateo. But, do I start my refugium as soon as I add water to the tank? Or do I have to wait before I start the refugium?
Should I run my full Refugium sump when cycling?
- Thread starter johnd6292
- Start date
Vinny Kreyling
Premium Member
Wait until the tank cycles.
You will need test kits to determine if & when.
Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate.
You will need test kits to determine if & when.
Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate.
Some new-to-me information suggests it is better to leave all lights off during cycling. Why? The purpose of cycling is to give nitrifying bacteria time and space to thoroughly colonize your rocks and sand (and everything else underwater). If you turn on your lights during this critical time, you encourage algae to grow. The big problem with that is that algae bring their own beneficial bacteria as well. If these algae-associated bacteria get established, they help algae grow and get established, likely giving you the dreaded algae phase. And as the tank matures, you are more likely to have ongoing algae issues.
So leave all lights off for now, until you have fully cycled.
So leave all lights off for now, until you have fully cycled.
My pleasure, johnd6292 and welcome to RC!
