Starting cycle today, need help...

[Peepers]

So finally decided to fill and start the cycle in my tank. Rsr350. After filling with rodi and adding Dr Tim's, what should I do? Just run return pump? Should I run gyre, lights, heaters?

 

[45ZoaGarden]

Just returns and gyres if you want. The skimmer will take good bacteria you need out and lights will cause algae growth.

So finally decided to fill and start the cycle in my tank. Rsr350. After filling with rodi and adding Dr Tim's, what should I do? Just run return pump? Should I run gyre, lights, heaters?

 

[ZeroShadez]

So finally decided to fill and start the cycle in my tank. Rsr350. After filling with rodi and adding Dr Tim's, what should I do? Just run return pump? Should I run gyre, lights, heaters?

Heaters yes no need for lights it will only promote algea. The beneficial bacteria does not need light did you add sand and rocks yet i suggest placing rocks first Before the sand.

 

[Peepers]

Yup...

 

[Brian Kennedy]

You need an ammonia source with Dr. Tims. Check out the BRS/WWC Hybrid 4 month cycle. It helps keep the ugly stages at bay.

They say you want the tank to cycle around the equipment you plan to use. However, hold off on the macro and only use skimmer to aerate, not pull skimmate.

Dr Tim also gave a very good talk on nitrifying bacteria at MACNA. Run the temp up to around 85 degrees F and dont overdose ammonia.

 

[ZeroShadez]

Just returns and gyres if you want. The skimmer will take good bacteria you need out and lights will cause algae growth.

Your right about the skimmers but if you have a new skimmer it gives it time to break in and the BB will reproduce fast enough for the little bit your skimmer takes out wont be an issue

 

[Peepers]

You need an ammonia source with Dr. Tims. Check out the BRS/WWC Hybrid 4 month cycle. It helps keep the ugly stages at bay.

They say you want the tank to cycle around the equipment you plan to use. However, hold off on the macro and only use skimmer to aerate, not pull skimmate.

Dr Tim also gave a very good talk on nitrifying bacteria at MACNA. Run the temp up to around 85 degrees F and dont overdose ammonia.

I did not think you needed an ammonia source. Will a few flakes of food or some frozen mysis shrimp work? If so how much?

 

[45ZoaGarden]

I dig the bob Marley flag behind the tank! LOL

Yup...

 

[LiveWire]

Just wanted to check but you did add a salt mix to the RODI correct?

 

[Peepers]

I dig the bob Marley flag behind the tank! LOL

Thanks buddy. He was an amazing human being.

 

[Quietman]

Any ammonia source will do. Food, dead shrimp. I liked direct ammonia instead of breakdown of organics to minimize phosphates.

 

[45ZoaGarden]

Yes that works as well. I was taught a few pinches of food per day then add a chromis or two to help the cycle. Ive never used that crap in a bottle!

I did not think you needed an ammonia source. Will a few flakes of food or some frozen mysis shrimp work? If so how much?

 

[ZeroShadez]

Also if you plan on using redseas nopox imo its best to use right off the bat. In very low doses gets that special bacteria a jump start.

 

[Peepers]

Just wanted to check but you did add a salt mix to the RODI correct?

Not yet. I know that I can mix in tank if there are no critters yet. I was going to mix salt into the last third or so.

 

[Quietman]

May need a few doses of ammonia particularly if your delayed adding fish to keep bacteria fed.

 

[45ZoaGarden]

I don’t understand why everyone is so set on dosing ammonia in their tank. I’ve never used ammonia. My buddies never use ammonia. And my lfs never uses ammonia. There’s other methods of introducing ammonia that don’t include going out and buying more crap you’ll only use once.

 

[Quietman]

Lastly, in order to keep nitrates (algae) in check I did WC during cycle. I never had an algae problem, but also kept it wrapped in brown paper for two weeks. Didn't see a big delay in cycle time.

 

[ZeroShadez]

Ooo

I don’t understand why everyone is so set on dosing ammonia in their tank. I’ve never used ammonia. My buddies never use ammonia. And my lfs never uses ammonia. There’s other methods of introducing ammonia that don’t include going out and buying more crap you’ll only use once.

I agree with this i think phantom feeding is the way to go.

 

[Brian Kennedy]

1. Bring the salinity up to measured value of 1.025 SG. Cycling in fresh water will accomplish nothing in a saltwater tank.
2. Dont use flake food for ammonia source. It will result in high phosphates which will in turn result in an much uglier ugly stage. Use either a raw shrimp or ammonia dosing for fishless cycle. Read Dr. Tims instruction on cycling or check out the BRS/WWC Hybrid method for cycling.
3. Check out Dr. Tim's MACNA talk on nitrifying bacteria to learn why.

Lots of people do it differently. If you leave a box of heated saltwater, yes the tank will eventually cycle. But if you've already spent the money on Dr. Tim's fishless cycle products you should also follow his instructions for best results.

Find a resource and follow their instruction based on proven results.

 

[Peepers]

1. Bring the salinity up to measured value of 1.025 SG. Cycling in fresh water will accomplish nothing in a saltwater tank.
2. Dont use flake food for ammonia source. It will result in high phosphates which will in turn result in an much uglier ugly stage. Use either a raw shrimp or ammonia dosing for fishless cycle. Read Dr. Tims instruction on cycling or check out the BRS/WWC Hybrid method for cycling.
3. Check out Dr. Tim's MACNA talk on nitrifying bacteria to learn why.

Lots of people do it differently. If you leave a box of heated saltwater, yes the tank will eventually cycle. But if you've already spent the money on Dr. Tim's fishless cycle products you should also follow his instructions for best results.

Find a resource and follow their instruction based on proven results.

So for a raw shrimp, just go buy a single raw shrimp from grocery store?