32G Biocube cycle

[Aidanwolf]

Hello I set up my 32G Biocube last week, I used a bottle of coral life Bio Sipra to help with the cycle and have been ghost feeding just a tiny bit. And I just decided to do a test with my Api master test to see how it was coming along and the ammonia was between 0 and 0.25 and the nitrate was between 10 and 20. Should I go ahead and do a water change with some coral life Bio Spira to clear it up, or wait?

 

[EmdeReef]

I would wait a bit longer and add a more ammonia source to test your system. You can try a piece of cocktail shrimp or ghost feed a big more. Although api ammonia is often off, you should be getting consistent 0 ammonia before adding fish etc.

 

[Aidanwolf]

Thanks, I know the Api tests aren't the most accurate but the whole master kit cost as much as a Red Sea or Salifert ammonia test kit. How long should I wait to do a water change? And with a quick start product shouldn't only take a week or so to cycle the tank?

 

[PirateDan]

The first rule of this hobby is take it slow. I’ve never been a fan of pumping a tank full of stuff too try cycling quicker. You should let nature take it’s course. I didn’t start adding any live stock until after a month. Just my 2 cents.

 

[EmdeReef]

Thanks, I know the Api tests aren't the most accurate but the whole master kit cost as much as a Red Sea or Salifert ammonia test kit. How long should I wait to do a water change? And with a quick start product shouldn't only take a week or so to cycle the tank?

On average takes about 2 weeks to stabilize a cycle if adding bacteria. I always like to stress test the cycle after not detecting ammonia. You can add 1/3 of a cocktail shrimp in the evening and then test ammonia in the morning. If none can be detected then you are ready. Then can do a water change to lower nitrates although unless you have cloudy water etc it’s not necessary.

 

[Aidanwolf]

Alright, I just added some chaeto to the intank refugeum basket so hopefully that is okay. Would a scoop of pellet food be okay to ghost feed instead of shrimp?

 

[jk_s124]

You don’t have to take it this slow, but some great advice for anybody wanting to learn about cycling a tank.

 

[Aidanwolf]

You don’t have to take it this slow, but some great advice for anybody wanting to learn about cycling a tank.

Thanks, I already have a good idea on how to do it. I was just curious when I should do a water.