Bio-Spira & Biocube

[kasik64]

So I have a biocube 14 up and cycling, so far I have sea pure, live black Hawaiian substrate, and about 4 live rocks. A few of the live rocks I have don't have any growth and the other one came with algae bubbles and bacteria and a few hitchhikers (snails). I am thinking of adding bio-spira to help my live rock, but do I use an entire bottle in a 14 gallon tank? I don't want to over do it. Any suggestions?

 

[kasik64]

So I have a biocube 14 up and cycling, so far I have sea pure, live black Hawaiian substrate, and about 4 live rocks. A few of the live rocks I have don't have any growth and the other one came with algae bubbles and bacteria and a few hitchhikers (snails). I am thinking of adding bio-spira to help my live rock, but do I use an entire bottle in a 14 gallon tank? I don't want to over do it. Any suggestions?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

So I have a biocube 14 up and cycling, so far I have sea pure, live black Hawaiian substrate, and about 4 live rocks. A few of the live rocks I have don't have any growth and the other one came with algae bubbles and bacteria and a few hitchhikers (snails). I am thinking of adding bio-spira to help my live rock, but do I use an entire bottle in a 14 gallon tank? I don't want to over do it. Any suggestions?

You just need a capful really. But if its just now starting, you really should to scrub that nasty stuff off while you can. do it out of the tank though.
The tank is actually cycling if you use live rock and live sand. Its called a skip cycle. the added bacteria will help with the little bit of die off etc.... But the bio filter does need to mature still, and the die off needs to be processed.
Congrats BTW!...

 

[kasik64]

Thanks!!! I added a capful. I got the rock from a LFS that suggested one with bacteria from his live rock tank.

 

[kasik64]

And to the bio filter, how long do you think it takes this to happen and how do I know?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

And to the bio filter, how long do you think it takes this to happen and how do I know?

Test the big three Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate.... When Nitrite and ammonia is zero its pretty safe to add animals. The No3 and Po4(nitrate and Phosphate) may be higher but that just coral food as long as they're not crazy high.
Dont use the bio spira daily, as it will eat the ammoina pretty fast and You want to see if the rock is producing any from die off.

The ugly truth is we dont know how long it takes for dry rock, but dont sweat it. Its why so many say go slow and animals add slowly. the bio filter will slowly increase as the bio load does and the need for food and waste increases.
Once the ammonia is zero add some snails maybe a crab. Then test and pick out a fish. snails fish crabs and coral are all part of the bio load as the all eat and breathe.

 

[kasik64]

So my nitrite, nitrate, (both at 0) and ammonia are all safe according to my strips. And how often do I use bio spira? I am planning to let my tank settle and test again on Sunday and possibly add a shrimp and or fish.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

And how often do I use bio spira?

almost never really. I use it when cleaning etc or nutrients get up... Def invest in a slightly better kit. Or at least the API ammonia.
Personally Id add cuc snails first after a scrub. even if the tank is processing ammonia(cycling) its a good time to see what pops up and give it time to settle.

 

[kasik64]

What is cuc? (I am really new at all this tank lingo lol) Also, when should I scrub..my tank isn't really dirty. I was thinking that I need a better kit based on what others use. Recommend a brand or certain kit?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

What is cuc? (I am really new at all this tank lingo lol) Also, when should I scrub..my tank isn't really dirty. I was thinking that I need a better kit based on what others use. Recommend a brand or certain kit?

Clean Up Crew... Sorry. Its affordability. Id start with the basic API. If you get hooked on corals upgrade.
Youll know when to clean, trust me. Be sure to get green alages out as soon as you see it. You going to have a little bit of an "Ugly Phase" its common, and generally a sign of the biofilter being overwhelmed.(too much food), and the nutrients will feed the alages.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/choosing-cleanup-crew-critters.258695/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/lingo-commonly-used-acronyms-0.57652/

 

[tvu]

You can't really OD in bio spira for cycling a tank.

 

[CodyRVA]

So I have a biocube 14 up and cycling, so far I have sea pure, live black Hawaiian substrate, and about 4 live rocks. A few of the live rocks I have don't have any growth and the other one came with algae bubbles and bacteria and a few hitchhikers (snails). I am thinking of adding bio-spira to help my live rock, but do I use an entire bottle in a 14 gallon tank? I don't want to over do it. Any suggestions?

You can add some to help the process. Read the dosing requirements on the bottle or look it up online.

 

[kasik64]

Clean Up Crew... Sorry. Its affordability. Id start with the basic API. If you get hooked on corals upgrade.
Youll know when to clean, trust me. Be sure to get green alages out as soon as you see it. You going to have a little bit of an "Ugly Phase" its common, and generally a sign of the biofilter being overwhelmed.(too much food), and the nutrients will feed the alages.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/choosing-cleanup-crew-critters.258695/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/lingo-commonly-used-acronyms-0.57652/

Thanks for the links, super helpful!