Anyone using Aquaforest Kickstart Method?

[Johnd651]

So as I setup my big tank, I was looking at how to start it up. I've used Dr Tim's before, but came across this on the @Aquaforest site, the AF Kickstart method. I have used AF Reef Salt in the past and liked it, did not seem to have any issues, the parameters were stable, and it mixed up clean.

Anyone have any experience?

Tips?

I know it seems like a few components, but it looks like mostly all items you would need to purchase during setup anyway.

AF Kickstart Method

 

[Fish Fan]

Following.

 

[SliceGolfer]

I used a modified version of the AF Kickstart method when setting up my AF OceanGuard 605 reef. I planned on bare bottom and had a specific rock structure in place, so I did not use AF Bio Sand or AF Rock. I did use AF Reef Salt, Bio S, Life Bio Fil, and Life Source.

The salt mixes fast and clean, and I have not found any residue in my mixing station. I cycled my tank using ammonium bicarbonate, with Bio Fil in the mesh sock and dosing Bio S to instructions. I remember the initial cycle completing by week 3. I then followed up with two applications of Life Source, spread apart by two weeks. Now I am working through the ugly stages we all face when starting fresh.

I’ve been very pleased with AF products and the craftsmanship of the OceanGuard tank and stand. Highly recommended!

 

[Johnd651]

I used a modified version of the AF Kickstart method when setting up my AF OceanGuard 605 reef. I planned on bare bottom and had a specific rock structure in place, so I did not use AF Bio Sand or AF Rock. I did use AF Reef Salt, Bio S, Life Bio Fil, and Life Source.

The salt mixes fast and clean, and I have not found any residue in my mixing station. I cycled my tank using ammonium bicarbonate, with Bio Fil in the mesh sock and dosing Bio S to instructions. I remember the initial cycle completing by week 3. I then followed up with two applications of Life Source, spread apart by two weeks. Now I am working through the ugly stages we all face when starting fresh.

I’ve been very pleased with AF products and the craftsmanship of the OceanGuard tank and stand. Highly recommended!

So my understanding is that with Bio S, you do not even need a nitrogen source.

 

[SliceGolfer]

So my understanding is that with Bio S, you do not even need a nitrogen source.

You would still need to introduce an ammonia source to feed the bacteria driving the nitrogen cycle. Per AF's website, they state:

"A specialized formula created for the quick and effective elimination of ammonia and nitrogen compounds from the aquarium. Bio S contains specially selected bacterial strains that create a perfect environment for replication of Nitrospirae and Nitrobacteraceae bacteria which are responsible for the nitrogen cycle."

 

[Johnd651]

You would still need to introduce an ammonia source to feed the bacteria driving the nitrogen cycle. Per AF's website, they state:

"A specialized formula created for the quick and effective elimination of ammonia and nitrogen compounds from the aquarium. Bio S contains specially selected bacterial strains that create a perfect environment for replication of Nitrospirae and Nitrobacteraceae bacteria which are responsible for the nitrogen cycle."

So I did read that, and had reached out directly to Aquaforest, since I liked the idea of not having to use ammonium, if I didn't have to. Their response was, "In KickStart Method there is no need nitrogen source because of Bio S." I will be really curious to try it out without dosing.

 

[SliceGolfer]

So I did read that, and had reached out directly to Aquaforest, since I liked the idea of not having to use ammonium, if I didn't have to. Their response was, "In KickStart Method there is no need nitrogen source because of Bio S." I will be really curious to try it out without dosing.

I am in the process of rebooting my IM 40L tank and I will do the same (use Bio S and no ammonium). I'll follow here and we can compare notes. Interesting for sure!

 

[Johnd651]

I am in the process of rebooting my IM 40L tank and I will do the same (use Bio S and no ammonium). I'll follow here and we can compare notes. Interesting for sure!

That will be nice to have someone to bounce the process off of. I wonder if there's anyone else that has any input?

 

[Johnd651]

I am in the process of rebooting my IM 40L tank and I will do the same (use Bio S and no ammonium). I'll follow here and we can compare notes. Interesting for sure!

Will you use there dry rock?

 

[Johnd651]

@SliceGolfer Got that purple showing up!

 

[SliceGolfer]

Will you use there dry rock?

I will not. This is a reboot of an existing tank so I bleached all my previous rock, smashed it with a hammer, and glued together my own aquascape.

 

[Otago]

How's it going with this method ?

 

[Johnd651]

How's it going with this method ?

I slightly deviated with the sand, I wanted something coarser , and am seeing diatoms at the moment... the normal uglies. I must mention that my parameters are good, and I moved coral over from an older tank and they perked up a lot in comparison. Also I am starting to see coralline forming on the rock already.

 

[Otago]

I slightly deviated with the sand, I wanted something coarser , and am seeing diatoms at the moment... the normal uglies. I must mention that my parameters are good, and I moved coral over from an older tank and they perked up a lot in comparison. Also I am starting to see coralline forming on the rock already.

Looks good! Glad it's working for you. How soon after starting did you add the corals ?

 

[Johnd651]

Looks good! Glad it's working for you. How soon after starting did you add the corals ?

One month. Aug 26 i added salt, Sept 26 i moved coral over.