Cycled with Dr. Tim's; completed. What are the next steps?

[joe-ejs]

Hello. I am setting up a new 90gl reef. I have started with a Dry Rock system, with Arag-Live sand. Ammonia is down to zero. I was looking on the site to see if there is a thread on next steps, in order as I move forward. For example, when do I add my fish, skimmer, lights, filter socks, refugium and any products such as carbon/phosphate removers. Also, as I complete the cycle this week, how large of a water change do I need to do? I have read anywhere from 25% to 100%. I want to make sure I follow the correct steps to avoid problems, etc.

Any help is appreciated. If there is already a thread that I missed that you could point me to, that would also be helpful.
Thanks

 

[vetteguy53081]

Allow the tank to run 4-6 weeks and week 5 and weekly begin to test ammonia and nitrat levels. Add a small piece of frozen food and see if tank is able to maintain good readings for 48 hours and remove that food and if tested good- add your first fish

 

[brandon429]

What if his tests are the misreading ones though, how will he know when to begin

 

[wonroc]

What if his tests are the misreading ones though, how will he know when to begin

I must be begging for disaster .....or not.
But i only test salinity and ammonia.

 

[brandon429]

In the initial post, ammonia down to zero we need to know if it was dosed initially or just down from the original test reading with no dosing or feeding

 

[joe-ejs]

In the initial post, ammonia down to zero we need to know if it was dosed initially or just down from the original test reading with no dosing or feeding

Hi Brandon429,

You helped me through the cycling over the last 10 days. I used Dr Tim's and dosed ammonia 3 times per directions over that time frame and after the 3rd time through the cycle phase, ammonia is dropping to zero along with Nitrites. What I was trying to understand is once I am through cycling phase (initial 10 days,etc)...what are the next steps in order to move forward...wasn't sure when to turn on skimmer, add a refugium, etc..the things I mentioned above....
and btw...the cycling went just as expected..apppreciate your help!