New Tank Build and Cycling

[ksigaekdb]

I am setting up my first saltwater tank after spending way to much money going to the local aquarium. I built my own stand, drilled a 39 gallon bowfront for rear g-holes overflow, listened to my wife yell at me at how much money I was spending and now I am waiting while my tank cycles. I purchased 40 lbs of live rock from my LFS, and some live sand, and got the tank wet a week ago. After testing my water everyday for the last week I have yet to see any sort of spikes I have read about. 3 days ago I registered .25 of ammonia and it was gone the next day. Could the tank be done cycling? I would have thought something would have registered by now, but I have read that using good LR could shorten the cycle dramatically. Any thoughts on whether it is done or should I wait another couple of weeks? I know the safe thing to do is to wait by I have guests coming over this weekend and if it is done I would love to have a fish (singular) swimming around for them! The two snails that hitchhiked on the rock are not much fun to look at. Thanks for any advice!

 

[ksigaekdb]

And because I am proud of my first woodworking adventure here is the stand that I built.

 

[Darth Polymnus]

How long has the tank been cycling? Using cured live rock may shorten the first initial cycle, but usually a new tank goes through several cycles. You may see an algae stage and a cyano/diatom stage. If its been more than 4 weeks, and levels are good, you may consider adding a hardy fish. But with all things saltwater, don't rush.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

First, Welcome to R2R!!! I love the stand!! The tank is looking good!!

 

[kschweer]

Welcome to reef2reef! Tank and stand look great. Can't wait to see more

 

[reefgeek96]

that's your first stand? wow cant wait to see what you end up doing after you have some more experience. good luck on the tank it all looks great

 

[ksigaekdb]

Thanks for the compliments! So I think I am through my diatom and cyano stage, lots of nasty stuff on the sand that has gone away. Now I am seeing some weird tube-like things growing off some of my rock, any have any idea what it is?

 

[Sicklid]

All i can said is congrat and welcome, im new in this hobby too. Being patience is always good!!

 

[kschweer]

Pineapple sponges. They are harmless filter feeders

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Great job on the stand!
Everything is looking good.

 

[StevenBell]

And a very impressive first tank!Welcome to the site!

 

[ksigaekdb]

Thanks for the ID. Are they always benign or is there a point I should get worried? I went from having 4 or 5 a week ago to 20 or so now.

 

[PCygni]

 

[PCygni]

Sorry about that. Didn't mean to post that here, and it wouldn't let me take it down...