tank cycle
- Thread starter salty dog
- Start date
[welcome] Salty Dog
Sisterlimonpot
Premium Member
A usual cycle can take 6-8 weeks. as for the brown algae it sounds like a diatom bloom (which is part of the tanks cycling) don't worry it will disapear just as quickly as it appeared.
Abril, Changed your avatar again huh? did you die your hair?
Sisterlimonpot
Premium Member
First thing is to understand what happens in a cycle, you introduce an ammonia source to the tank (the most humane way is to add a dead uncooked shrimp in the tank and allow it to decompose) the ammonia level rises and promotes the growth on bacteria that consumes the ammonia and converts it to nitrite and that level rises and another form of bacteria converts that into nitrates and that completes the basic cycle.
Ammonia is toxic to fish so you want to wait until the ammonia spikes and goes back to 0 (that way you know that you have sufficient amount of bacteria) to support fish. But At that moment I still wouldn’t add fish I would suggest implementing a small CUC and wait till the tank has completely cycled to add fish.
Ammonia is toxic to fish so you want to wait until the ammonia spikes and goes back to 0 (that way you know that you have sufficient amount of bacteria) to support fish. But At that moment I still wouldn’t add fish I would suggest implementing a small CUC and wait till the tank has completely cycled to add fish.
thebkramer
New member
CUC = clean up crew
Sisterlimonpot
Premium Member
Sisterlimonpot
Premium Member
Definitely add the shrimp. I would leave it in until your ammonia rises to 1-2 and then remove it and allow the cycle to take place.
It doesn't surprise me that a LFS recommends adding a damsel, they're in the business to make a profit. to add a fish for the cycle subjects it to the toxic environment and if you’re like most people you will want to remove it once you add more fish because damsels are very aggressive fish. So save yourself the hassle and do it the easy way.
It doesn't surprise me that a LFS recommends adding a damsel, they're in the business to make a profit. to add a fish for the cycle subjects it to the toxic environment and if you’re like most people you will want to remove it once you add more fish because damsels are very aggressive fish. So save yourself the hassle and do it the easy way.
Inexpensive and reasonably accurate = API Test Kits
More expensive and more accurate = Salifert
JMO.
LL
Sisterlimonpot
Premium Member
+1 API for the ammonia and nitrite. you'll rarely use them after the cycle.
API sells a kit with ammonia nitrite nitrate and PH which is a good buy.
API sells a kit with ammonia nitrite nitrate and PH which is a good buy.
You are asking good questions, Salty Dog;-) You will find alot of good information online. Here at RC (Reef Central) in the forums you will find at the top, Sticky's, which when clicked on provides further information. For example with this forum, you will find information about setting up a SW tank and several other topics. There are online magazines such as Reefkeeping which provide even more information. To be successful in this hobby, read as much as you can and of course, ask questions when you don't know something. The more time you spend on RC, the more you will learn and learn from those who have years of hands-on experience. Some information you get will not be accurate, some will be right on. Everyone's tank is different so you will have to apply the information/suggestions to your particular tank/situation. Welcome and Happy Reefing!!
Sisterlimonpot
Premium Member
I agree, but when you are only going to use amm and nitrite for 6 weeks, there's no need to spend the extra money.
