Tank Cycling

[tsbreier]

Hi there, I have a 60gal that I started cycling about two weeks ago. I have about 50 lbs of cured live rock, 80lbs of live sand, two power heads and a CPR skimmer (temporary I have a Tunze 9005 coming soon), I am attempting to go sumpless, and I have 4 48" T5 bulbs that I built into my hood. A couple of days ago I started to get some cyano and now it has taken over my tank. Is this part of the cycling process? Is there anything I can do to get rid of it? I am currently running my lights 8 hrs a day but I am concidering turn them off after reading some of the other posts. Sorry if this is a redundant question but I haven't found a post that has answered my questions yet. Thanks for the help,
Scott in San Diego

 

[drummereef]

Diatoms and hair algae are more common during cycling. I would turn the lights off for a few days while the tank cycles.

What powerheads are you using?
Did you start with tap water or RO/DI?
What are your current tank params?

 

[tsbreier]

I have 2 Koralia #2s. I started with tap water and changed out 5gal with DI on Sat. I was planning on changing 5gal every week. Should I do more?

 

[drummereef]

I would do a large water change to try and offset the tap water. If it were me I'd do 50%. Siphon out as much of the cyano as you can during the change. There's probably an excess buildup of nutrients from the tap water and cycle. A large water change like this might extend the cycle somewhat but the alternative is worse, imo.

Is the DI water you are using some you made from your RO/DI unit or some you bought?

 

[tsbreier]

Thanks, I'll try that tonight. What about my lights? Should I leave them off for a while?

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14869822#post14869822 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tsbreier
Thanks, I'll try that tonight. What about my lights? Should I leave them off for a while?

I would, as long as you're just cycling the tank with just live rock it's fine.