What to do during new tank cycle....

[NYIntensity]

Set up my 180g w/ 55g sump 3 weeks ago (filled with ro/di); diatom set in about a week ago now (cycling with a piece of LR). My question: the diatom is starting to grow pretty rapidly now...should I scrape it off the glass, or let it run its course? When should I start adding the CUC?

 

[csb]

Have you tested your water parameters lately? The diatoms/algae growth is a good sign that your biological system may now be producing nitrate.

It won't hurt to clean the glass ... your new tank will likely go through several algae blooms over the next year or two before it settles down with regular maintenance. Magnetic glass cleaners will help quite a bit. It's common to clean the glass regularly every few days.

Anyway... check your params. If your ammonia level is 0, you should be able to support a small CUC or even a single fish.

 

[NYIntensity]

I have a magfloat, just didn't want to disrupt the productivity by destroying that which is eating less than desirable substances in the tank.

Params yesterday:
Ammonia: .5
PH 8.3
Nitrate 2.5
Nitrite .25
Phos .25

Temp at night: 79, during the day right before lights out: 82.

50/50s come on at noon, off at 9, the MHs come on at 3, off at 7.

 

[Snapper66]

With the Readings you have your Tank is still Cycling,wait before you put in Fish Ammonia needs to be Zero.

 

[NYIntensity]

i know that much...

 

[TheMcs]

Okay, I can't decipher it, what's CUC?

 

[Sk8r]

turn everything on and put your lights on timer.
Stabilize your temperature at 80 give or take 2 degrees. THis is a challenge, and is best done now, before you overheat your tank with fish in it.
Stabilize your salinity: if you don't have an autotopoff, rig that.

CUC is clean up crew---snails, hermits, etc.

 

[NYIntensity]

Sk8r, thanks for the advice. Everything that will be on, is on. 3500gph closed loop, mag 16 (i think) return, ASM G-3 skimmer, 500w heater (if I got another, I think the low temp would stabilize up a little). The ATO is hooked up, salinity is spot on at 1.025. What do you think my next step should be? The lights are on timers.

 

[lancer99]

Why have your lights on at all when the tank is still cycling, before you can add a CuC? That's just asking for algae problems.

-R