Curious...

[Tmar]

I set up a new 10 gallon system on Sunday w/live rock & live sand (which I now suspect were not live at all)

Monday evening I tested for pH & ammonia which were: 7.8 & 0.5 respectively
temperature is holding steady at 79F

Questions are:
can I add CaribSea purple up to begin coralline algae growth on my bare rock? Is this like scrapings from actual coralline algae?

should I use Brightwells mb7 (microbacter 7) to speed up the cycle process?

If I do these two things (provided I continue to monitor and test) could I potentially add my 1 damselfish in say 3 weeks?

Any of the successful saltwater aquarium owners here ever used these products?

I am not, never have been OR ever will be a fish KILLER. That being said, If and only IF there is a chance that these products can shorten the cycle and safely introduce a fish to my new system, then I don't see harm in it! I truly appreciate any and all feedback I can get from other who know what they are doing already! I look forward to responses with great anticipation.
PS ... my thread me again, shows pics of my little system set up - and I did set up a steady supply of RO/D! water for my regular changes now. Will be posting regular weekly pics there for any who many want to follow my ultimate success or failure with my very first saltwater aquarium!! Thanks to all :lol:

 

[mike007]

Any form microbacter will introduce the bacteria needed to start your tank. Many people use a dead shrimp to start the cycle. Coralline algae will grow if you have the proper levels of supplements magnesium,calcium, alkalinty etc. Purple up works great for some people but it will raise your ca. level. You might consider getting a live rock that has coralline growing on it to seed the tank. Damsel fish are very hardy but are very agressive.so if you plan on adding other fish you will have to be carefull on what you add with them.

 

[Tmar]

Ok, bad question! Scratch that thought... back to being patient now! Once in a while I need to just kick myself and not get in a rush!

Did another ammonia test tonight - ammonia 1.0. :crazy:
This tells me, that tho it goes slowly, the cycle is indeed turning. Thus making me a very happy camper and rescinding my silly questions.
Add nothing, test, watch, wait, test, watch, wait, test, watch, wait, water change..... rinse and repeat? ! :neutral:

 

[NanaReefer]

Ok, bad question! Scratch that thought... back to being patient now! Once in a while I need to just kick myself and not get in a rush!

Did another ammonia test tonight - ammonia 1.0. :crazy:
This tells me, that tho it goes slowly, the cycle is indeed turning. Thus making me a very happy camper and rescinding my silly questions.
Add nothing, test, watch, wait, test, watch, wait, test, watch, wait, water change..... rinse and repeat? ! :neutral:

Exactly! Lol


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[Tmar]

However, what happens IF my tank finally finishes cycling so I have all the beneficial bacteria (say 6 weeks to be sure) and I find that my "live" sand and rock, were not live at all...
can I still add my damselfish OR clownfish (haven't decided yet) - how would I then go about getting all the "live" rock critters I need to populate my rocks and sand?
It has only been 3 days but I see nothing in day with lights on OR after lights out with a flashlight..... seems there is no "live" in my "live" rock or sand! :neutral:

 

[Mike J.]

I suggest that new tank owners read this: The Mature Aquarium

 

[NanaReefer]

Live rock means it is loaded with beneficial bacteria. If your lucky or not so lucky you'll get extra little critters. Some times good, sometimes not.
Be patient grasshopper Give the allotted weeks for your cycle to complete which is the hardest part for new reefers but the most important!


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[Muney Mun]

I suggest that new tank owners read this: The Mature Aquarium

This is great information to go by wish I would've seen this when I first started. When I upgrade it will be by these standards shown. Thanks for the important info.

 

[resortez]

one thing that always worked for me, was to feed the tank every other day, pellet food like if there were fish in there during the nitrogen cycle. if you read the main ingredients in the food, you will find that it contains certain elements that will help cycle the tank steadily & helping beneficial bacteria to bloom. just like nana mentioned, live rock carries all that good stuff within it & will help tons in providing the right elements for your tank & its future inhabitants to thrive. giving you a successful tank. also, having to introduce a damsel into a 10 gal system, is not recommended. it will become extremely territorial & aggressive within that volume of water & literally will not allow any new mates to live & survive. patience is a virtue in this hobby. good luck & happy reefing!

 

[Tmar]

Clownfish I'm pretty sure :angel: when the tank is ready!

 

[Bowin]

I've only been doing this for about six months but wanted to say good luck to you. Patience has been key for me and it was a struggle at first. I cycled with 2 pieces of deli shrimp, live sand, and rock in a total volume of 110gal. I had bought the microbactor7 but never used it because with the shrimp and addition of flake food every day I was able to cycle quicker than I expected. Damsels are pretty but I listened to the warnings and avoided falling for their cuteness and cheap price tag. One might take ownership of a 10gal and not allow anything else to be introduced. I have clowns but keep in mind they are damsels and can get territorial too as mine has began to attack my hands when they go near his and her rock. Again good luck to you and keep reading and asking questions. I wouldn't have made it these few months without the help of experienced reefers.

 

[Tmar]

Not sure why people keep talking about cycling with pinches of flake fish food or deli shrimp when you have to wait for them to rot and turn to ammonia.
I just read a lot of stuff about using "pure" household ammonia (the kind that doesn't foam or bubble when shaken) and got myself some goldex pure household ammonia.
started feeding the tank on wednesday and my readings last night (sunday) were:
ammonia 4ppm
nitrites 3ppm
nitrates 20
tonight I will test again and I probably won't have to feed the tank any ammonia. probably still around 4ppm since the bacteria hasnt had time to multiply enough to "eat" the ammonia and turn it to nitrites yet

 

[Bowin]

They're talking about it because they're experienced and know what works. Doesn't take long as you'd think. But try and go fast if you want. Straight ammonia works too. But you did say an important thing that is key in this hobby when you said "they have to wait". Good luck which ever route you take.