Done cycling, now what?

[TheOneWhoIsThere]

Ammonia, Ph, Nitrites, Nitrates, and salinity are in perfect order, after cycling for 3 weeks. Is there anything I need to do extra before I can add coral?

 

[James M]

From my experience I would hold off on coral until you pass the ugly stage

 

[TheOneWhoIsThere]

From my experience I would hold off on coral until you pass the ugly stage

What is the ugly stage?

 

[don_chuwish]

Yeah, keep it fish only for as many months as you can possibly bear. 'Cycled' isn't the same as 'Mature'. Every new tank goes through phases of ugly algae blooms, diatoms, instability, etc. You want all that out of the way before blowing money on coral. For that matter, keep the fish choices reasonable too - lots of great choices under $40.

 

[TheOneWhoIsThere]

Ok, thanks.

 

[James M]

What don said Also I would recommend not to do heavy feedings

 

[don_chuwish]

Just saw a great example thread for what it’s like to wait out the ‘uglies’
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/first-attempt-at-reefing-75g-build.378417/