Just ordered my Innovative Marine 25 Lagoon

[Acros]

There are many ways to cycle a tank. This might help. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/15-steps-to-starting-a-saltwater-aquarium-the-lasse-method.556865/

If you plan to use live rock, you are instantly cycled.

 

[Idech]

What is the general recommendation for cycling, get a light or no light for cycling? Settled on the AI Prime but was also curious about the RedSea 50

It doesn’t matter. Whenever you start using light, start very slow so you don‘t get algae blooms, or as little as possible.

 

[reefstarterpack]

There are many ways to cycle a tank. This might help. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/15-steps-to-starting-a-saltwater-aquarium-the-lasse-method.556865/

If you plan to use live rock, you are instantly cycled.

Going to use Caribsea South Seas dry rock. Might get some live rock like 2-3 lbs from my LFS

 

[reefstarterpack]

Would this be a good test kit to start with for the cycle and FOWLR which my plans are start with FOWLR at first maybe the first 6 months or so after cycling then buy more accurate Hanna testers after.

 

[Acros]

Save your money and get an api test kit during the cycle. Get good test kits for Alk, Nitrate and phosphates (I use Hanna for all three). Apparently there are no reliable test kits for calcium and mag is not test frequently.

You won’t really use ammonia and nitrite test kits after initial cycle. Api ammonia test will always read a minimum of 0.25 with saltwater (that is fine), but the nitrite test works just fine.

Cycling for fish is relatively easy. Add dry rock, a dead shrimp or a cube of frozen fish food. You will be cycled In about 2 weeks. In case you have live rock, it will be faster. You can add all the bottled bacteria you want (it is not worth it in my opinion).

 

[Idech]

Api ammonia test will always read a minimum of 0.25 with saltwater (that is fine), but the nitrite test works just fine.

There is a subtle difference in color between 0 and 0.25 ppm. Best way to see it is to take a picture of the test result in water with 0 ammonia (fresh saltwater) and that becomes your base.

It’s worked fine for me for both my tanks.

 

[reefstarterpack]

There is a subtle difference in color between 0 and 0.25 ppm. Best way to see it is to take a picture of the test result in water with 0 ammonia (fresh saltwater) and that becomes your base.

It’s worked fine for me for both my tanks.

I went ahead and ordered the API kit for cycling and FOWLR and once I switch over to reef I’ll order the Hanna testers. Thanks everyone!!

 

[csnv]

What is the general recommendation for cycling, get a light or no light for cycling? Settled on the AI Prime but was also curious about the RedSea 50

redsea is very nice.. app works great for me (90). i would buy it again for my nuvo40.

 

[reefstarterpack]

redsea is very nice.. app works great for me (90). i would buy it again for my nuvo40.

I went with the AI Prime since I got the Nero 3 as well cycling with lights off. Week 1 of cycling as of today.

 

[csnv]

very well, can't go wrong with that either

 

[reefstarterpack]

very well, can't go wrong with that either

Thanks if I need more lighting I can always add a second one but I’m still very early into this. After researching how corals grow I made a few islands for the more aggressive ones if I add those everyone will stay friendly spaced out.

 

[reefstarterpack]

Ordered a Hanna Salinity tester so one step closer to having everything I need for this tank. Next up on the purchase list is a InTank filter basket.

 

[csnv]

Got a skimmer? I wouldn't go without one...

 

[reefstarterpack]

Got a skimmer? I wouldn't go without one...

Not yet but it’s on the list as well as using the other compartment for a refugium. Right now I’m still cycling Fishless so bioload is still very low. Was looking at the IceCap K1 Nano skimmer

 

[reefstarterpack]

Just got my Hanna salinity tester. Tank is reading at 1.023 so just need to get salinity up some but overall just waiting on nitrites to come down so I can add a pair of frostbite clowns for my first inhabitants.

 

[reefstarterpack]

Really confused on why nitrites and nitrates are so high. I added a bottle of Fritzyme 9 about 10 days ago and a bottle of Biospira last night. Last night had 0.5ppm I dosed of ammonia and it’s gone now. Takes less than 24 hours to rid the tank of ammonia but my nitrites and nitrates stay high. I’m thinking of doing a 90% water change on Saturday is it too early to do a water change after dosing the biospira?

 

[reefstarterpack]

Ph is 7.8 not sure if that matters much

 

[reefstarterpack]

Been cycling for 15 days so I guessing I just have some more time before she’s ready

 

[Acros]

Not sure why nitrites are so high. My prediction is that it will come down in a couple days.

 

[reefstarterpack]

Not sure why nitrites are so high. My prediction is that it will come down in a couple days.

I’m hoping so. They have been quite high for a while now.