Cycling my tank basics

[Mmsetta]

Finally have my tank set up and filled.

38g bowfront
25 lbs of dry rock (Marco key largo)
10 lbs of Fiji cured fully live rock
12,000k white and blue led lighting
Skimmer
HOT magnum canister filter
40 lbs live sand

Should I run my magnum during initial cycling? I am using the magnum as a primary source of water movement in the tank since I do not have a high end powerhead yet.

Also, should I leave the led's on during the day?

Thanks!

 

[Waters]

You will get a lot of opinions on what to run or not run during your initial cycle. I personally would run the canister (for movement only) and run the lights on a reduced cycle. I ran mine roughly 1-2 hours a day until I added fish. I didn't want any huge algae outbreak without the ability to add any CUC (due to the cycle not being complete). I would also run the skimmer even though there really isn't anything to skim yet....it will allow it to break in and get you comfortable with how it works.

 

[Mike J.]

Running your skimmer during cycling is very important. Since you have live rocks I'd run the lights for at least 4-6 hours a day.

I recommend that everyone starting a new tank read this: The Mature Aquarium

 

[KillerKlownFish]

Running your skimmer during cycling is very important. Since you have live rocks I'd run the lights for at least 4-6 hours a day.

I recommend that everyone starting a new tank read this: The Mature Aquarium

Thanks
The info is great! Very helpful.
I should be getting my tank delivered this week or next. So based on the info it should be running by march depending on the Ammonia and nitrites. Could take longer. I did not know about the 1fish per 6 weeks rule. Makes sense though.
Thanks again

 

[Mmsetta]

Hard to believe, but I already have three, what appear to be feather dusters, sprouting out of one of my pieces of live rock. I am hooked.