What filtration is necessary when you start cycling?

[Nickcdll]

Is carbon necessary, or running the protein skimmer? Should just sponges be used? What about marine pure or zeovite? I was just wondering what to have run and in the tank during the cycle

 

[Gareth elliott]

For cycling all you need is:

Bacteria for the nitrogen cycle

A porous location with aerobic and anaerobic surfaces to populate.

And flow that moves the nutrients to the bacterias population.

When cycling i dont use chemical filtration. But could be used if nitrates start to build up after cycle.

 

[mcarroll]

Just the skimmer.

 

[Waters]

Most of that stuff isn't necessary but I like to run everything. I use that period of time to get used to all of the new equipment.

 

[sergifed91]

when cycling I need to flow in my tank? like running my filter and wave makers?

 

[Gareth elliott]

when cycling I need to flow in my tank? like running my filter and wave makers?

Yes. Whether you cycle with pure ammonia, shrimp, or fish food. Something needs to carry the compounds to where the bacteria are. Also without surface agitation you risk creating a low oxygen environment. Unsuitable for Ammonification.

 

[sergifed91]

Okay. i turned on my wave makers and filter but took out the filters until it more established. I don't want anything taken out of the water yet, I heard the carbons in the filters aren't good to use during the cycling.

 

[ihavecrabs]

Okay. i turned on my wave makers and filter but took out the filters until it more established. I don't want anything taken out of the water yet, I heard the carbons in the filters aren't good to use during the cycling.

What type of filter are you using? Sounds like a HOB (hang on back) unit if you have carbon and sponge filters. I'd throw the sponge filter in as it will act as the rocks in the case that bacteria will colonize it. You can run your skimmer (and if it is new, this is a great opportunity to break it in) however, I would run it to dry skim. You'll likely get a sludge build up on the inside if you are dosing bacteria which will need to be cleaned before it will function perfectly once cycled. I would primarily use it for the air injection. I also run power heads during my cycle as well.

 

[sergifed91]

I do have a HOB unit for now.

 

[timrocks311]

no chemical filtration (like carbon and GFO) during the cycle. it's not needed. You want to run your filter and sponge filters are good to have. I assume you have rock and that will be your natural filtration as well.