ATM colony question

[Reefer87]

If plan on using atm colony to start do I have to add it for every water change or no? Sounds like a dumb question.... or just keep an eye on my parameters. I’ll be getting reef ready water from my local store

 

[SPR1968]

You add it at the very start to instantly cycle the tank, just before you add the fish or it won’t work

Ive used it on both my tanks including 5 large bottles for my new system followed by 30 fish on day one.

Just follow the Instructions it works very well.

 

[Miller535]

If plan on using atm colony to start do I have to add it for every water change or no? Sounds like a dumb question.... or just keep an eye on my parameters. I’ll be getting reef ready water from my local store

You use that to cycle your tank, then you do not have to use it anymore.

 

[Reefer87]

You add it at the very start to instantly cycle the tank, just before you add the fish or it won’t work

Ive used it on both my tanks including 5 large bottles for my new system followed by 30 fish on day one.

Just follow the Instructions it works very well.

Will do, but here’s another question do I have to keep the lights off for a period of time or can I keep them on using this? I watched a video about cycling and it said to keep lights off for a few months..video did not use atm colony.

 

[JoshO]

I've used this on 2 set ups. I doesn't "instantly" cycle a tank, it just speeds up the process.
You add it on day 1, along with either fish OR an ammonia source. DO NOT CHANGE WATER FOR THE FIRST 4 DAYS MINIMUM.
This allows the bacteria to attach to your media and rockwork.
It's recommended not to have lights on for a few months to allow heterotrophic bacteria to build up and limit algae outbreaks.
Both the set ups I used colony in were cycled in under 2 weeks