New aquarium cycle

Drew1900 · Aug 15, 2020

Hey everyone,

I’m 1 week into my cycle and wanted to get everyone’s opinion on my progress. Started with dry rock and dry sand. Using Microbacter start and quikcycl for a fish-less cycle. Current readings

Ammonia- 0 ppm
Nitrite - .25 ppm
Nitrate - 40 ppm
PH - 8.15
Salinity 1.024

MaxxuM · Aug 15, 2020

Welcome to R2R!

Well, if you followed the instructions it appears you're well on your way if not at the end of the initial cycle. The process never really plays out exactly like another, but if you keep the nutrients coming the more bacteria will be produced. Just be careful. Since you started with no live rock or sand your tank will be somewhat unstable for a few months. You'll want to take it slower than someone that has established rock/sand.

This is a perfect time to start practicing though. Monitor you temps, alk, calcium, magnesium, etc and try to replicate the same numbers in a new batch of saltwater. I'd raise your salinity to 1.025 or 1.026. Everyone says stability and patience are the most important factors, but really don't explain what that means. You can also test your PAR levels in your new tank by renting a meter.

Drew1900 · Aug 15, 2020

MaxxuM said:
Welcome to R2R!

Well, if you followed the instructions it appears you're well on your way if not at the end of the initial cycle. The process never really plays out exactly like another, but if you keep the nutrients coming the more bacteria will be produced. Just be careful. Since you started with no live rock or sand your tank will be somewhat unstable for a few months. You'll want to take it slower than someone that has established rock/sand.

This is a perfect time to start practicing though. Monitor you temps, alk, calcium, magnesium, etc and try to replicate the same numbers in a new batch of saltwater. I'd raise your salinity to 1.025 or 1.026. Everyone says stability and patience are the most important factors, but really don't explain what that means. You can also test your PAR levels in your new tank by renting a meter.

You actually just spelled out my exact plan! I’m going to bring the salinity up over a few water changes, I’ve already done a few alk, calc and mag tests, im probably going to get my CUC next week and introduce them into the DT, and finally I’m going to pick up 2 clowns next week and put them in my QT tank to treat/observe for 4-6 weeks before adding them to the DT. I’ve also already sourced a PAR meter from one of my LFS’s that I will grab in the next few weeks to get my lights dialed. I appreciate the response and it gives me a lot of confidence to hear my plan backed up by some knowledge!

Drew1900 · Aug 15, 2020

Also, when is the best time to turn the lights on?

NashobaTek · Aug 15, 2020

Welcome to the team

MaxxuM · Aug 15, 2020

Tricky question. Many people would say not to do so until the entire cycle is done while others (fewer) say that to really push your tank maturity is to turn on the lights now and use something like NOPOX to add bacteria to the aquarium that wouldn't proliferate for months down the road. I say turn them on now for a limited time - say 4hrs - until you start to see some algae. Else, a CUC wouldn't be advisable.

Read more on the Red Sea Maturation method if you want to turn on your lights now. Otherwise, leave them off until you have animals in there. A CUC isn't advisable unless there's something in there to eat. Instead of a CUC I'd look into seeding pods after a week of lighting your tank. Wait a week or two for them to settle in, THEN add a couple of fish and some of the CUC.