Another cycling question

[Funwithreefer]

Still cycling but ammonia and nitrites went to 0 and nitrates were 20 ppm. I dosed again with ammonia last night to 2 ppm. Just tested again and ammonia is already at 0 and nitrites are at 1 ppm. I think the tank is cycled or should i still wait before adding fish?

next question. I have biocube 32 and just running the stock carbon filter. I haven’t cleaned it at all since I’ve been cycling, about 3 weeks. Should I rinse the carbon cartridge or just leave it? Or, should i change out the media all together and put in filter floss, Purigen and chemipure like it seems everyone does?
Thanks for the help!!

 

[Nooooooooob1]

Sounds like you're cycled! I'd add a tester fish.

 

[Ebslinger]

I would do a water change first... 20 ppm (of nitrate) in a new tank is a recipe for an algae outbreak.

Remember, the bacteria you want is attached to something and not free floating at this point.

Do a water change and get a hardy fish to start with... or a pair of Ocellaris like I did.

I don't normally run carbon during cycling so I really can't comment on that part. If it were me, I would remove it until you need it... just my 2 cents though.

 

[spidercrab]

its ready. Get a cheap fish.

 

[Funwithreefer]

I would do a water change first... 20 ppm (of nitrate) in a new tank is a recipe for an algae outbreak.

Remember, the bacteria you want is attached to something and not free floating at this point.

Do a water change and get a hardy fish to start with... or a pair of Ocellaris like I did.

forgot to mention that I did plan to do a water change first.

 

[Ebslinger]

Should have asked first, what size tank and how much live rock do you have?

Is this the 32 biocube or another tank?

 

[Funwithreefer]

Should have asked first, what size tank and how much live rock do you have?

Is this the 32 biocube or another tank?

its the biocube 32. I have about 30-35 lbs of live sand and 30 lbs of marcorocks dry live rock.

 

[Ebslinger]

Here is what I would do...

1) remove all filter media other than mechanical filtration. No need to run carbon and such if the water is clear.

2) Do a water change... maybe as much as 50 percent. That will drop your No3 to around 10 ppm.

3) Get a hardy fish or two and feed sparingly at first.

4) watch you Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate levels and be prepared to do a water change as needed.

Just my thoughts.

I think your set though over all!

 

[Funwithreefer]

Here is what I would do...

1) remove all filter media other than mechanical filtration. No need to run carbon and such if the water is clear.

2) Do a water change... maybe as much as 50 percent. That will drop your No3 to around 10 ppm.

3) Get a hardy fish or two and feed sparingly at first.

4) watch you Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate levels and be prepared to do a water change as needed.

Just my thoughts.

I think your set though over all!

thanks! That was kind of the plan that I had in my head. But I am a little confused about the media. I’m just running the stock media which I thought was carbon. Should I just replace it or rinse the one I’ve been using for cycling?

 

[Ebslinger]

Question first... why are you running the media?

Normally people run a certain media to remove something from the water... For example, carbon is great at removing the yellow tinge water sometimes gets.

I would toss the media... maybe be prepared to by more if it is needed in the future, but I don't see a reason to run it right now.

 

[Ebslinger]

Oh, by the way, great looking tank! I can't wait to see more pictures of it as it progresses.

 

[Funwithreefer]

Question first... why are you running the media?

Normally people run a certain media to remove something from the water... For example, carbon is great at removing the yellow tinge water sometimes gets.

I would toss the media... maybe be prepared to by more if it is needed in the future, but I don't see a reason to run it right now.

there was no particular reason I ran it other than it was in the box and I used it. Haha. The good news is that the water is crystal clear, seems to have cycled and i have not had any algae yet.

 

[Funwithreefer]

Oh, by the way, great looking tank! I can't wait to see more pictures of it as it progresses.

thanks! It’s my first one and I’m loving this and I haven’t even got started!

 

[Ebslinger]

there was no particular reason I ran it other than it was in the box and I used it. Haha. The good news is that the water is crystal clear, seems to have cycled and i have not had any algae yet.

I would add, beneficial bacteria can grow on carbon. It's very porous... I would watch your Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate levels closely after you remove the media.

 

[Ebslinger]

One last thing... Algae is a good thing. I proves your tank can support life. No algae is normally a bad thing in a new tank. I am not saying this is the case here, just watch your water parameters.

 

[Funwithreefer]

One last thing... Algae is a good thing. I proves your tank can support life. No algae is normally a bad thing in a new tank. I am not saying this is the case here, just watch your water parameters.

got it. I haven’t been running the lights at all. I’ve read that running the lights will cause algae to form. I’ve also read that even if you don’t get algae during cycling that it’s likely when you add fish and start running lights. I’ll probably pick up a couple of clowns this weekend.