Is it just a waiting game now??

[JEP1024]

I got the water and sand in the tank 2 days ago. Added the Fritz turbo start. So is sitting back and waiting for about 5 weeks before turning on the lights sound correct?? I am sure the cycle will be done sooner but waiting longer was my plan to allow the Bio build up. I am going to add pods next week and will be testing during this time as well. Is there a need to do water changes during this time? Any other suggestions are welcome...

 

[Dan_P]

I got the water and sand in the tank 2 days ago. Added the Fritz turbo start. So is sitting back and waiting for about 5 weeks before turning on the lights sound correct?? I am sure the cycle will be done sooner but waiting longer was my plan to allow the Bio build up. I am going to add pods next week and will be testing during this time as well. Is there a need to do water changes during this time? Any other suggestions are welcome...

Waiting and feeding?

 

[FUNGI]

hurry up and wait.......

 

[Lps_lover12]

Make sure you’re giving the bacteria some sort of amonina source or they will just die off. Keep testing water regularly to make sure amonina is going down and you have nitrates. And make sure nitrites are at 0 with amonina before adding anything

 

[JEP1024]

what should I be feeding??

 

[Brian Berry]

I got the water and sand in the tank 2 days ago. Added the Fritz turbo start. So is sitting back and waiting for about 5 weeks before turning on the lights sound correct?? I am sure the cycle will be done sooner but waiting longer was my plan to allow the Bio build up. I am going to add pods next week and will be testing during this time as well. Is there a need to do water changes during this time? Any other suggestions are welcome...

I would keep the lights off and maybe wait a few weeks before adding copepods. I do not think they will have to much to feed upon until then. I would leave the water as is for about six weeks with no water changes.

 

[gbroadbridge]

I got the water and sand in the tank 2 days ago. Added the Fritz turbo start. So is sitting back and waiting for about 5 weeks before turning on the lights sound correct?? I am sure the cycle will be done sooner but waiting longer was my plan to allow the Bio build up. I am going to add pods next week and will be testing during this time as well. Is there a need to do water changes during this time? Any other suggestions are welcome...

Just throw in a small pinch of fish food (any type) once a week to give the bacteria something to process.
Once you see Nitrate levels rising you're good to move on with some CUC which will help clean up any algae

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

Nice tank! What kind of sand and rock did you use?

 

[JEP1024]

carib sea live sand and dry rock.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

carib sea live sand and dry rock.

It will probably be cycled in a week or two, but no harm in waiting longer. I would hold off on the pods for a few months,imo, until enough microfauna is established for them to consume. I personally like to get the diatom stage over with asap, and turn my lights on from day one. But up to you on that. Happy Reefing!

 

[Cell]

I'd put a fish in there. You used Turbostart so it's safe. As long as there's some ambient light from windows or room light, you can still wait to use the aquarium light for awhile.