New 29g

[Striket85]

Hey guys, so I've been running my 29g with about 25 lbs of Red Sea Rock and 40lbs of live sand since 11/24. 2 AI Prime 16 HD's have been running an acclimation cycle since start. Ammonia has gone up to 1.5 since starting with 0 recorded Nitrites. My question is, should I purchase and use a bacterial booster or should I just let it ride out? I haven't added anything to the tank, just testing it daily. I'm about to top it off for the first time, I have an ATO coming in tomorrow. Thanks in advance!

 

[shadow_k]

You could let it ride out will take a little longer.

boosting it with beneficial bacteria will help cycle faster then without. I recommend Fritz turbo start it cycled for me pretty quickly

 

[Striket85]

You could let it ride out will take a little longer.

boosting it with beneficial bacteria will help cycle faster then without. I recommend Fritz turbo start it cycled for me pretty quickly

Alright, I want to be patient but it's hard haha... I'll order some. I'll be on vacation for 9 days so away from the tank until just after Christmas. Do you think if I just wait it out I'll be close to finishing the cycle when I get back or should I add the stuff before leaving, or buy it and hold onto it until I get back? I know that's a hard question lol

 

[shadow_k]

Alright, I want to be patient but it's hard haha... I'll order some. I'll be on vacation for 9 days so away from the tank until just after Christmas. Do you think if I just wait it out I'll be close to finishing the cycle when I get back or should I add the stuff before leaving, or buy it and hold onto it until I get back? I know that's a hard question lol

There’s no way in knowing if you come back it will be ready all tanks a weird in that way haha. I would buy it drop it in the tank before you leave and let the magic happen. I would also leave lights off during the cycling since it could promote more algae then needed

 

[TnFishwater98]

Hey guys, so I've been running my 29g with about 25 lbs of Red Sea Rock and 40lbs of live sand since 11/24. 2 AI Prime 16 HD's have been running an acclimation cycle since start. Ammonia has gone up to 1.5 since starting with 0 recorded Nitrites. My question is, should I purchase and use a bacterial booster or should I just let it ride out? I haven't added anything to the tank, just testing it daily. I'm about to top it off for the first time, I have an ATO coming in tomorrow. Thanks in advance!

Welcome to Da Reef!

 

[Striket85]

There’s no way in knowing if you come back it will be ready all tanks a weird in that way haha. I would buy it drop it in the tank before you leave and let the magic happen. I would also leave lights off during the cycling since it could promote more algae then needed

I'll do that. I've read mixed reviews on it. I'm using the David Saxby's schedule which has almost no white light and I haven't noticed any algae whatsoever, though from what I gather, the cycle isn't effected one way or the other, the only risk is algae so I may just turn em off, also slightly less evaporation. I'll definitely have them off for when I'm gone. Thanks for the advice!

 

[shadow_k]

I'll do that. I've read mixed reviews on it. I'm using the David Saxby's schedule which has almost no white light and I haven't noticed any algae whatsoever, though from what I gather, the cycle isn't effected one way or the other, the only risk is algae so I may just turn em off, also slightly less evaporation. I'll definitely have them off for when I'm gone. Thanks for the advice!

No problem !
I hope all goes well with the cycle I know it’s a pain in the end it’s worth it haha.
Some pics for you

this was first day ^

This is now !

 

[Striket85]

No problem !
I hope all goes well with the cycle I know it’s a pain in the end it’s worth it haha.
Some pics for you

this was first day ^

This is now !

Dude the start and now is total motivation! I've had several tanks in the past but this is my first saltwater that I'm doing correctly from the get go and sparing no expense (just don't tell the gf). Previously, I'd have thrown in a couple clowns (poor fellas) to do a fish in cycle, I have patience this time around and am in no big hurry. Plus I found a fantastic LFS that is working with me on prices for everything so I'm really happy to give him all of my money lol

 

[shadow_k]

Dude the start and now is total motivation! I've had several tanks in the past but this is my first saltwater that I'm doing correctly from the get go and sparing no expense (just don't tell the gf). Previously, I'd have thrown in a couple clowns (poor fellas) to do a fish in cycle, I have patience this time around and am in no big hurry. Plus I found a fantastic LFS that is working with me on prices for everything so I'm really happy to give him all of my money lol

I love lfs that helps !, this is my first saltwater as well and so far it’s had its ups and downs I’m a freshie noobs
Here’s exhibit A

 

[Striket85]

I love lfs that helps !, this is my first saltwater as well and so far it’s had its ups and downs I’m a freshie noobs
Here’s exhibit A

I've always admired the floating plants in freshwater. I hate fake things in my tanks so I've always done live everything. Beautiful tank there!

 

[Adrift]

Welcome to R2R! I’ve always use bio spira to cycle tank. Always has worked for me quickly. I have heard them at fritz is awesome. But I stick with what I know. Good luck to you in your new adventure.

 

[Striket85]

Welcome to R2R! I’ve always use bio spira to cycle tank. Always has worked for me quickly. I have heard them at fritz is awesome. But I stick with what I know. Good luck to you in your new adventure.

Thank you! I ordered a bottle of Fritz. It'll arrive just before it's time to head up north for vacation, so I'll dump it in and test when I get back! I'm excited to see what results I get. I wish I had a friend who could swing by the house to test daily for me though

 

[Adrift]

Dose the entire bottle it won’t hurt anything. I always dose 1/4 to 1/2 more then total water volume.

 

[Striket85]

Dose the entire bottle it won’t hurt anything. I always dose 1/4 to 1/2 more then total water volume.

Yeah, that was my plan. Got my ATO and new heater hooked up to my temp monitor. Also just added my first small amount of RODI water from evaporation. It's coming along nicely!

 

[rd62rdstr]

Good luck hopefully it’s cycled when you return. What are you using for an ammonia source?

 

[Striket85]

Good luck hopefully it’s cycled when you return. What are you using for an ammonia source?

I haven't added anything to the tank except using my filter and media from my freshwater before converting it to a salt. I did 40 lbs of live sand and the red sea rock. I'm reading 1.5-.5 Amm currently with an API kit (I know I know, I'll look into upgrading that soon). Do you think I should dose ammonia or go with the old shrimp routine at this stage?