More detailed dynamics of tank stabilization

[Charlie the Reefer]

Hello everyone,

This post is regarding getting a new tank ready for coral.

There are people out there that believe you can chuck corals in as soon as all your equipment is in place, and the tank isn't even cycled yet. There are other people that believe you should complete your nitrogen cycle before adding coral. Then there's another camp, again, that believe your algae/bacteria cultures should stabilize over another 4-8 week, or sometimes 6 month+ period before adding anything. I.e. waiting for coralline, etc.

My question would be, what exactly is the process that is occurring post-nitrogen cycle that leads to the stabilization which allows an acceptable environment for corals? The nitrogen cycle is simple enough to understand. However, I'm really confused on the processes that occur after. People say you should experience multiple algae blooms, and let things play out / let it "stabilize".

So far in my tank, I've been really playing it safe as far as feeding goes, and I have been able to maintain quite low nutrients / haven't really seen much algae (tank up for a month, rocks have been cycling in bins since March). My nitrates/phosphates have been at <3 ppm, <.5ppm respectively. Part of my concern is whether my bio load is too low to even be "culturing" the bacteria/algae colonies I need properly (2 clowns in a 130G). So... Long story short... What exactly am I waiting for here?

Thanks as always for the time and information!

Charlie

 

[Fish Think Pink]

Hello everyone,

This post is regarding getting a new tank ready for coral.

There are people out there that believe you can chuck corals in as soon as all your equipment is in place, and the tank isn't even cycled yet. There are other people that believe you should complete your nitrogen cycle before adding coral. Then there's another camp, again, that believe your algae/bacteria cultures should stabilize over another 4-8 week, or sometimes 6 month+ period before adding anything. I.e. waiting for coralline, etc.

My question would be, what exactly is the process that is occurring post-nitrogen cycle that leads to the stabilization which allows an acceptable environment for corals? The nitrogen cycle is simple enough to understand. However, I'm really confused on the processes that occur after. People say you should experience multiple algae blooms, and let things play out / let it "stabilize".

So far in my tank, I've been really playing it safe as far as feeding goes, and I have been able to maintain quite low nutrients / haven't really seen much algae (tank up for a month, rocks have been cycling in bins since March). My nitrates/phosphates have been at <3 ppm, <.5ppm respectively. Part of my concern is whether my bio load is too low to even be "culturing" the bacteria/algae colonies I need properly (2 clowns in a 130G). So... Long story short... What exactly am I waiting for here?

Thanks as always for the time and information!

Charlie

Hi Charlie,
Are you only ever going to have 2 clowns? If so, then you might have reached 'stability.'

Most like to keep adding fish and that necessitates increasing food... and then as the waste increases there is reaction to that... and that is the heart of 'stability.'

Another component some use is seeing if coralline will grow. That can be an indicator tank is ready to support coral growth, ... but one can experiment with expensive corals or cheapy coralline... either is fine (I went with 'start with expensive'... and wasted a lot but I would do it again ... though maybe not with such expensive corals (when $30 dies it isn't as pocket painful as $150 frag dies lol)

 

[Oldreefer44]

IMO, stabilization would be when water parameters become consistently within a "normal" range. Especially the big 3 ALK, Ca and Mg. Also would depend on which corals and your experience level. Would recommend starting with softies or an "easy" sps such as Montiporas and going from there. Biggest key to success will be patience. IMO, the longer you wait the better.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

My understanding of it is to not only let your tank accumulate biodiversity in microorganisms, but to also let the new reefer mature in knowledge. If you put a lot of sps in a 3 month old tank, they more than likely won't make it.
The reason experienced reefers can sometimes do it is because they already have the knowledge, know how to monitor the coral, and have another established tank to transfer coral to if the new tank is not working out.

 

[MiamiAG]

Hi -

This is a good question and topic to be fleshed out here. I think BRSTV and Ryan, in particular, is trying to answer this question.

A lot in the aquarium hobby is based on a particular aquarist's experience. The way to start a new tank is one of those areas that has A LOT of speculation, experiences and some science all mixed in, all with the best intention to help new reefers. I am excited to see the results of BRSTV's biome series because I think they are asking the right questions and trying to come up with answers.

The way I think about it is as follows. Many of us have seen that putting a coral into a brand new tank will likely cause it to die, sometimes inexplicably. On the other hand, putting that same coral into an established, mature tank will cause it to flourish almost like magic. Why the difference?

One item is obvious, stability of parameters. We have learned that stability promotes success (SPS) and that an established tank will most likely have very stable parameters providing a very favorable environment for corals. A new tank will likely not be as stable. For example, my two week old tank is suffering from very low pH and now I'm trying to "fix" that. Next I will try to fix nutrients, then light, and on and on.

Another item that BRSTV is bringing up is the biodiversity of the aquarium ecosystem. As they put it, it's not about have significant biodiversity but having the RIGHT biodiversity. The right biodiversity takes time to settle out because you seem to achieve it in waves (microscopic warfare) where one thing takes over only to be beat by something else and so on until no one thing is winning the war. This is balance and it allows for the stable environment where a coral, particularly an SPS, can take hold and thrive.

My last observation is what was mentioned above - the skill of the aquarist with the right gear. New reefers screw up a lot. Experienced reefers screw up a lot less. Screwing up impacts the quest for stability and biodiversity and prolongs the process. This is why an experienced reefer, already with the right gear and knowledge, is able to reach this magical balance point a lot sooner.

I'm hoping the conclusions BRSTV's biome series reaches will help us shorten the time for the right biodiversity to be achieved and illuminating a relatively certain path to success. It will also answer your question as to why you are waiting.

You are not waiting for waiting's sake. You are waiting for the right things to happen in their good time.

 

[ReefGeezer]

There are many ways to get a tank "ready"for corals. They all have two things in common: 1) They establish stable water chemistry and environmental conditions; and 2) They establish complete nutrient processing ang food webs. The method used depends on the skill of the Reefer.

 

[X-37B]

No plan leads to failure for many.
Its not that hard but you need the knowledge and experience helps.
This is how I setup my systems.
The last one is my 20g nano cube.
Temp 80-82 because its in the snake room no heater.
SG 1.026-1.027
Alk 7-7.5
Ca 420-450
Mag 1300-1400
No3 <10
Po4 .05-.1
Dose 2 part
Dose trace
WC 2g's a month
3 baskets bio media
1 cup carbon
Filter in floss overflow basket
Ato

System
Live rock from my other systems.
Test and stabilize system.
Typically no cycle.

Add a few test corals after a week.
Monitor alk and adjust useage as needed.

The biome is already present on the rocks and media.

If you purchase live rock and have it shipped then wait for it to cycle, no ammonia or nitrite.

I use at least 50% live rock with good success. With 50% most of the uglies will be on the dead rock.

Not the only way but it is straight forward.

Whatever method you use always focus on keeping your said parameters stable and in range.

 

[MiamiAG]

There are many ways to get a tank "ready"for corals. They all have two things in common: 1) They establish stable water chemistry and environmental conditions; and 2) They establish complete nutrient processing ang food webs. The method used depends on the skill of the Reefer.

BTW, I read your article that is linked in your signature. Thank you. Extremely well said and speaks to your years of experience coupled with research/learning skills.

 

[ReefGeezer]

BTW, I read your article that is linked in your signature. Thank you. Extremely well said and speaks to your years of experience coupled with research/learning skills.

Thanks. I wish it was as easy as that article might make it sound. You will be fine. Go slow and learn. Ask a lot of questions of people who have nothing they want to sell you.

 

[Charlie the Reefer]

These are all really great answers. Thanks a lot everyone I’m grateful to have the knowledge to draw on here!

As I suspected, it seems the truth is that stabilization happens for one reason or another simply after enough time elapses. Therefore, I think I’m just gonna play it safe and enjoy my fish. Looking forward to more research in this area and learning more from y’all…

Charlie