Saltwater tank Cycling

Mikey G · Jun 25, 2013

Hey guys relatively new to the hobby and recently bought 10 lbs of live rock that has been in a 5 gal bucket of saltwater with a power head and heater for a few days until I could finish the plumbing of the sump. Bought it early because it was 50% off at my LFS so I'm wondering when I fill my tank and sump and add the live rock, would it be beneficial, no difference, or harmful to add the water it has been in for the last few days? I have added RO/DI water to top off to maintain salinity also.

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Reefing Madness · Jun 25, 2013

If this is a new tank start up, go ahead and use that water, it should give you one big old cycle start.

Mike J. · Jun 25, 2013

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Mikey G · Jun 25, 2013

Thanks, that was kinda what I was thinking just wanted to make sure

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Mikey G · Jun 25, 2013

Anyone have opinions on using bacteria supplements vs natural cycling without?

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revhtree · Jun 25, 2013

I would go the route of cycling naturally.

Thanks for joining and please make sure and post often!

glb · Jun 25, 2013

My tank cycled on its own with just live rock. Good luck!

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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

Chris Aldrich · Jun 27, 2013

Welcome Mikey! As others have mentioned, natural cycling with live rock is a great choice (and my preferred method). Here is more info on how that works, what you'll want to test during the cycle, and how to know what it's complete: How to Cycle Your Saltwater Tank

Hope this helps. Cheers!