Cycling Question

[Diazreeflife]

Ok I finally got my rock done and my tank is full and cycling!!! My buddy which has been in the reef world for many years told me that so should keep the skimmer off and the solid media reactor off as well so it can cycle and build up all the nutrients. He is old school so I wanted to hear what you guys think should I run the skimmer and solid media reactor or keep them off.

FYI I'm cycling for a month.

Thank u!!

 

[mike007]

If you are using live rock i would leave everything on. You will get some die off from the rock. Also you will get a ammonia spike which the skimmer will help rid this out of the water. Go slow and test before adding any livestock.

 

[Diazreeflife]

No I used dry rock?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Theres no right way of doing it really. You want the ammonia to build up in the system so you have a high concentration of Nitrate Bacteria in the end, this will allow you to put in a few fish at the same time, instead of just one here and there.
If you using Dry Rock, you need to jump start the cycle, either by using Ammonia or throwing a jumbo shrimp into a net, and laying the net in the tank. The net keeps it from getting all over the tank once it starts to deteriorate.

 

[Diazreeflife]

Theres no right way of doing it really. You want the ammonia to build up in the system so you have a high concentration of Nitrate Bacteria in the end, this will allow you to put in a few fish at the same time, instead of just one here and there.
If you using Dry Rock, you need to jump start the cycle, either by using Ammonia or throwing a jumbo shrimp into a net, and laying the net in the tank. The net keeps it from getting all over the tank once it starts to deteriorate.

Can u elaborate on this shrimp method mere do I get the shrimp?

 

[mike007]

Just get a shrimp from the grocery store and put it in a net and let it rot into the net. Also you can buy bacterial additives from your lfs that will also help start the cycle. Alot of people just use the shrimp method to save a buck.

 

[NC2WA]

Shrimp method is good. if you want to go and add instant bacteria to the tank, I would suggest Instant Ocean Bio-Spira..suppose to be the best one on the market.

But I am old school and just let time be your friend in cycling (and turn on your skimmer).

Time and patience are needed in this hobby to be successfully, rush it and bad things happen.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Just get a shrimp from the grocery store and put it in a net and let it rot into the net. Also you can buy bacterial additives from your lfs that will also help start the cycle. Alot of people just use the shrimp method to save a buck.

 

[TJ's Reef]

Or....... another way is if.......you are a beer drinker......and no one is looking, quickly relieve yourself while inspecting the sump. No fuss no muss or rotting shrimp in tank. Then simply add a bottle of one of the many bacteria supplements available and good to go in short order.

Only half joking.............


Cheers, Todd

 

[Diazreeflife]

Shrimp method is good. if you want to go and add instant bacteria to the tank, I would suggest Instant Ocean Bio-Spira..suppose to be the best one on the market.

But I am old school and just let time be your friend in cycling (and turn on your skimmer).

Time and patience are needed in this hobby to be successfully, rush it and bad things happen.

Should I turn on the solid media reactor?

 

[Diesel]

Dr tim's one and only.
Good cycling and no stinky shrimp in the tank.
No need to run skimmer or reactors.

 

[NC2WA]

Todd,

I thought that was a trade secret. LOL LOL

Might give you a call after the Seahawks game to see about coming over on Monday (?)

 

[TJ's Reef]

WHAT!........ No wise cracks about my post #9.......... As stated, was only half joking as this is a valid way to jump start the Nitrogen Cycle and who could pass up the opportunity to say in response to "So... how did you get your tank cycled so quickly ?" and you respond "Well..... funny that you ask, I just peed in the sump..... isn't that how everyone does it" :spit:

Cheers, Todd


P.S. Don't tell us how you did it..... keep 'em guessing

 

[Diazreeflife]

Ok well I moving right along with my cycle I placed two medium shrimp in a net and put them in the tank.

I was at my LFS and saw Api quick start they said its good stuff but I tend to take what they say with a grain of salt. Has anyone tried this stuff or have heard anything good or bad?

 

[NC2WA]

IMO, there are better products on the market....Instant Ocean bio spira and brightwell microbacter come to mind...these are the only two I would spend my money on.

 

[glb]

You can also use pure ammonia to jump start. I got mine a ace hardware. Just make sure it has no surfactants in it. If it bubbles when you shake it, don't buy it. I found this to be cleaner and easier to monitor during the cycle. Go online for the formula of how much to use. Good luck!

 

[Mike J.]

Run your skimmer. I'm not a fan of adding bacteria in a bottle. I suggest that everyone read this article: The Mature Aquarium

 

[NC2WA]

Mike J,

any advice from Lee Birch is worth taking note. I had the privilege of attending a talk he gave several years ago..Vast amount of knowledge to be absorbed