Cycling question

[josh88997766]

I’ve had a nano saltwater tank for probably 3 months it’s a 10g using tap it houses a single clownfish currently haven’t turned on any lights to prevent insane algae growth during its initial cycle how much longer till I can start turning on lights without worrying about a ton of algae growth (cycled with live rock sand and bottled bacteria)

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

In general I find that 3 months is enough time for rock to become populated enough with bacteria that algae won't grow so easy. But if your water is nutrient heavy then algae will grow anytime, even after years. I don't feel algae is so much about the light, IMO its more about the water quality, flow, and clean up crew.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I agree that water quality should be the most important factor

 

[Fish Fan]

Good advice so far!

I'll just point out that if you're using tap water, there may be nutrients in the tap water that can feed ugly algae, so unfortunately I think that when you turn your light on, you're likely to get some algae growing. I can't say for sure because some areas have very, very good tap water, but I believe most locations do not, and most saltwater hobbyists use an RODI filter to make purified freshwater to use for making saltwater and for topping up evaporated freshwater.

If you don't have an RODI filter, you may be able to purchase water from your LFS, or consider using galloons of distilled water that can be found at any grocery store, pharmacy, or your local Mega-Lo-Mart for a little over a dollar a gallon.

Good luck!

 

[BryanM]

TAP water is a big no. Horror stories. Water is the life blood of our little oceans, and tap water rarely works.

You need a RODI setup - best by far, since you can control it, or to start purchasing water.