The Perfect New Tank Cycle

[Gator0930]

I am trying to plan every detail of my tank build. This is my last tank. I am trying to incorporate everything I have learned from experience and research. I think I have finally developed a way to cycle my tank to ensure coral success and low nutrient levels. I want to know everyone’s opinions on my thoughts as well as any changes or how you have differed or found success.



STEP 1

Get the tank, stand, and sump ordered delivered and set up.



STEP 2 (3 months)

Start rocks cycling.



I am going to use reef saver rock in the tank and blocks of marine pure in the sump



Use this time to plumb the tank, let it dry, set up my APEX system and water test the tank and plumbing



STEP 3

Aquascape

Add water

Set up refugium

Seed pods

Sand



STEP 4 (6 months)

Allow time for pods to germinate

Ghost feed

Begin skimmer

Start GFO / Carbon



STEP 5

Introduce first fish

Introduce all fish slowly while monitoring nutrient levels



STEP 6

After all levels stabilize and I am happy with fitration

Add corals slowly and begin dosing Calcium, Magnessium, Alkalinity, and Amino Acids



Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you to everyone who is helping on this journey

 

[Quietman]

Sounds good, not sure I'd start a refugium or add pods without a fish load, GFO will be as needed of course. Like the adding livestock gradually part and only after you reach an initial stability (I think that is key regardless of how you get there).

Couple things always come to mind when I think back on my plans for my tank...

"The best laid schemes of mice and men oft go awry" and "No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy". There's also something I've seen attributed to Mike Tyson - "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth!". Love that one.

I firmly believe that tanks mature at their pace, not ours. So be prepared to adopt different strategies and plans as conditions warrant.

 

[Ashish Patel]

I like your attention to detail and planning. However, In this case I feel your gonna pull your hair out with frustration.

Get your rockwork setup the way you want. Get your plumbing and electrical setup very good. Once you add the water add bacteria for starting the tank, throw in a dead shrimp and some seed rock from a trusted source, and let the tank run 1-2 months without light and protein skimmer. Month 2-3 add fish and have your light on low intensity. If your not using LED reduce photoperiod. I would add the refugium and pods after 1 week of setting up the tank.

Your tank will ready for corals much faster as our primary goals is to turn our Dead rock into established rock.