New 40B build/cycle

[porkchop-rob]

I am helping a friend of mine start her first aquarium. She has a 40Breeder and a 20 gallon diy sump. She has 35# of dead/base/white rock and 30# of Fiji Pink “live” sand.

The plan is to set the tank up tonight and start the cycle. She will initially be using AF Sea Salt, but will switch to AF Reef Salt after the cycle and once the little bucket of Sea Salt is all gone.

She is going to cycle “fishless” using liquid ammonia (ACE Janitor strength) and AF Bio S, following the dosing and testing schedule/plan laid out by Dr. Tims. Does this sound like a good/recommended plan?

She still needs to gather some equipment such as lights, reactor, skimmer, etc…but none of these things should be necessary to cycle the tank. It is ok to hold off on Phosphate Minus and Carbon until after the cycle, correct?

The goal with this tank is to have a very diverse mixed reef using all AF products.

 

[Anirban]

First, welcome to R2R.
Is there a good reason why you people wanted to start with sea salt instead of reef salt?
Start the cycle with Bio S and continue recommended dosing for 14 days and then shift to Pro bios and NP pro. You need water movement so get something for moving the water. Skimmer, reactor can wait but you will need the light in possibly within 3-4 weeks.

 

[porkchop-rob]

I have an extra small pail of Sea Salt that I will not be using. I just purchased it and then realized I needed Reef Salt for my tank....so I'm giving her the Sea Salt to get started. Is this an issue?

She will have the sump/return pump running during the cycle. We may add a powerhead as well.

Do you agree with the use of the liquid ammonia? None of the AF guide/materials mentions an ammonia source.

 

[porkchop-rob]

Oh, and Thank You for the welcome!

 

[Anirban]

I have an extra small pail of Sea Salt that I will not be using. I just purchased it and then realized I needed Reef Salt for my tank....so I'm giving her the Sea Salt to get started. Is this an issue?

She will have the sump/return pump running during the cycle. We may add a powerhead as well.

Do you agree with the use of the liquid ammonia? None of the AF guide/materials mentions an ammonia source.

I was just wondering why someone will buy sea salt for cycling and then shift to reef salt. No problem.
I will say add a powerhead in the tank.
As far liquid ammonia goes you need something to start the cycle and the bacteria to feed upon so its fine.

 

[porkchop-rob]

Ok. Very well.

I will have her order the Pro bios and NP Pro so we have it on hand.

Thank you.

 

[porkchop-rob]

Tank is officially full of water. Waiting for the water to clear up....may have to add some mechanical filtration if it doesn't clear up by tomorrow.

 

[porkchop-rob]

Start the cycle with Bio S and continue recommended dosing for 14 days and then shift to Pro bios and NP pro.

Just for clarification, You recommend Pro Bio S and NP Pro for all tanks? The product guide doesn't seem to mention them until the #4 SPS/Probiotic system setup.

If we do want to use them in a mixed reef, am I correct to assume that she NEEDS to have a protein skimmer running?

 

[Anirban]

Yes, they are recommended for all tank as they are denitrifying bacteria and reduce NO3 and PO4 by converting them into biomass which can be skimmed off. For less bioload or mixed tank weekly couple of dose should be enough. She will need a protein skimmer in future.

 

[porkchop-rob]

Got it!

 

[AcanthurusRex]

First, welcome to R2R.
Is there a good reason why you people wanted to start with sea salt instead of reef salt?
Start the cycle with Bio S and continue recommended dosing for 14 days and then shift to Pro bios and NP pro. You need water movement so get something for moving the water. Skimmer, reactor can wait but you will need the light in possibly within 3-4 weeks.

I followed the AF instructions and would not do it again. IMO the Pro BIOS and -NP Pro are too effective. I cannot produce any measurable nitrate in my system. I stopped dosing both months ago. I still get the slim event occasionally, was continuous for quite a while.
I dosed at 4 drops in a 125 gal system. Maybe a much smaller dose would work better to inoculate the system.
AF instructions are vague. I really appreciate Anirban posts.

 

[Anirban]

I followed the AF instructions and would not do it again. IMO the Pro BIOS and -NP Pro are too effective. I cannot produce any measurable nitrate in my system. I stopped dosing both months ago. I still get the slim event occasionally, was continuous for quite a while.
I dosed at 4 drops in a 125 gal system. Maybe a much smaller dose would work better to inoculate the system.
AF instructions are vague. I really appreciate Anirban posts.

Thanks, you always start with half dose or lower. People need to understand that they are adding bacteria which will grow in the system. Once the system is colonised by the bacteria they will grow and regrow much faster than we imagine. So, we need to change our dose accordingly. Some of them will be removed by skimming but not all. Like I now dose twice a week and half dose. You need to maintain the population not overload the system. Best time to dose will be just after weekly water change.