Cycling today

[rubixcube]

Setting up the tank today, putting in the KP aquatics live rock in today (did QT) with live sand. Do you recommend setting up the lights as well? Also turn on the filters? Using turbo start as well. Its a waterbox aio

 

[bossman818]

Lights aren’t needed if you don’t have any fish or corals. Turn on filters, you need all beneficial bacteria all over your tank. Let’s check out your tank. Post photo.

 

[rubixcube]

Forgot to add, also using turbostart

 

[rubixcube]

Lights aren’t needed if you don’t have any fish or corals. Turn on filters, you need all beneficial bacteria all over your tank. Let’s check out your tank. Post photo.

Wouldn't filters remove bacteria?

 

[bossman818]

No. You want your tank running with no lights. The only thing I didn’t have on is the skimmer.

 

[SaltyWalty]

Set up and run the system normally, except the lights. Let it sit without lights for a week or two, check parameters and you should be good to add fish. I’d avoid turning the lights on for the first 2-4 weeks, this will give the bacteria time to adjust and fully cover the system. There is no need for them until you add corals, all they will do is fuel uglies in the meantime.

 

[Fish Fan]

I’ll add that if you used KP aquatics mariculture live rock, then you have all the beneficial microbes you need. There’s no need to add extra bottled bacteria, such as the TurboStart. Adding it definitely didn’t hurt anything, it’s just not necessary when you use premium live rock.

Also, not sure about your comment on QT’ing the rock. I’ve never heard of anyone doing that. If, like me, you are concerned about fish parasites on the rocks, I would just setup the tank and run it fallow (fish-less) for about 60 days. This will allow the vast majority of fish parasites to die out in the absence of a fish host to complete their lifecycle.

Maybe you meant that you acclimated the rock, which is totally understandable?

I set up two small tanks using mariculture live rock from Tampa Bay Saltwater; a very similar product to your KP Aquatics rock. I think you’re going to like it, my rocks and sand came with a lot of cool hitchhikers

Good luck with your new tank!

 

[Fish Fan]

Wouldn't filters remove bacteria?

You can remove mechanical media like filter socks, sponges, or floss. These will trap at least some of the beneficial bacteria and at this time you want your bacteria populating the rocks and sand in your tank. But, keep the water moving and the circulation going to help oxygenate the water.