Cycling my Reefer 170

MasA07

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Hey everyone! Just an update and looking for feedback. Got my live rock, sand and water in yesterday and started cycling. Now the wait begins… still trying to get the water level maintained and the noise down in my drain but it’s a work in progress and a leaning curve as I’ve never had a sump. Happy reefing everyone!!



20260726_095112_F9314720-5576-41DB-9E7B-4898A696AB3A.png
 
Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D
welcome-home-logo-greeting-png.1484246
 
Welcome to Reef2Reef!

If that's real, wet live rock from a good local fish store, then you're already cycled, no reason for "the wait". Don't add any ammonia if this is real live rock.

If it's something like CaribSea "life rock", then those are intentionally misleadingly named dry rock that does need to be cycled.

Good luck with your build!
 
Hey everyone! Just an update and looking for feedback. Got my live rock, sand and water in yesterday and started cycling. Now the wait begins… still trying to get the water level maintained and the noise down in my drain but it’s a work in progress and a leaning curve as I’ve never had a sump. Happy reefing everyone!!



20260726_095112_F9314720-5576-41DB-9E7B-4898A696AB3A.png
A cycle is called a cycle when two things occur. . . . when ammonia rises then falls and holds a steady reading of Zero for at least 5 days and also nitrate rises and falls and holds at 20 or below- you are cycled.
Did you add ammonia chloride or something to increase ammonia initially ?
 
Welcome to Reef2Reef!

If that's real, wet live rock from a good local fish store, then you're already cycled, no reason for "the wait". Don't add any ammonia if this is real live rock.

If it's something like CaribSea "life rock", then those are intentionally misleadingly named dry rock that does need to be cycled.

Good luck with your build!
Thanks for the input! And yes it’s cycled live rock from my LRS, I went and got some snails and hermits today and will be testing to see where I stand
 
Hey everyone! Just an update and looking for feedback. Got my live rock, sand and water in yesterday and started cycling. Now the wait begins… still trying to get the water level maintained and the noise down in my drain but it’s a work in progress and a leaning curve as I’ve never had a sump. Happy reefing everyone!!



20260726_095112_F9314720-5576-41DB-9E7B-4898A696AB3A.png

Welcome! Looking good!
 
Hey everyone! Just an update and looking for feedback. Got my live rock, sand and water in yesterday and started cycling. Now the wait begins… still trying to get the water level maintained and the noise down in my drain but it’s a work in progress and a leaning curve as I’ve never had a sump. Happy reefing everyone!!



20260726_095112_F9314720-5576-41DB-9E7B-4898A696AB3A.png
Welcome to R2R!
 

WHAT’S USUALLY THE FIRST CLUE THAT SOMETHING IS OFF IN YOUR REEF?

  • A fish’s behavior or appetite changes

    Votes: 12 16.2%
  • A coral looks different or stops opening normally

    Votes: 45 60.8%
  • Water clarity or surface appearance changes

    Votes: 10 13.5%
  • Equipment sounds or flow seem different

    Votes: 8 10.8%
  • A test result catches my attention

    Votes: 15 20.3%
  • Algae or other growth starts changing

    Votes: 15 20.3%
  • I usually notice when the problem is already obvious

    Votes: 4 5.4%
  • It depends on what’s going on

    Votes: 14 18.9%
  • Other (Post in the comments)

    Votes: 1 1.4%
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