Cycling

Big Tank 95 · Dec 7, 2023

I've been cycling my tank for 5 weeks now I am new to the saltwater side of the hobby. And I can use a little bit of expert help from the community.
These are my parameters as of today does anyone see anything that needs to be done/changed ect... I do not want this cycle to crash. So any information on what I should do is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
Also did a 20% water change on 12/6/23

Screenshot_20231207_165753_Hanna Lab.jpg

jda · Dec 7, 2023

All of that looks fine. You can slowly and smartly add some fish, if you have not already. If you are getting algae or film bacteria, then you can add some snails and hermits.

ryanjohn1 · Dec 7, 2023

Big Tank 95 · Dec 7, 2023

jda said:
All of that looks fine. You can slowly and smartly add some fish, if you have not already. If you are getting algae or film bacteria, then you can add some snails and hermits.

No alge as of today And tank still has no livestock in it. What do you recommend that I should start with.

jda · Dec 7, 2023

Captive Bred fish are a good place to start. Hardy. Lots of folks start with a pair of clowns for the first month. CB cardinals are good too.

Turn that skimmer on. While it might not pull any organics yet, the gas exchange is too important, IMO.

Big Tank 95 · Dec 7, 2023

jda said:
Captive Bred fish are a good place to start. Hardy. Lots of folks start with a pair of clowns for the first month. CB cardinals are good too.

Turn that skimmer on. While it might not pull any organics yet, the gas exchange is too important, IMO.

I did have it turned on the only reason I turned it off is because the bubbles are not reaching the cup even on a 100% is that normal. What should I do I assumed that there wasn't enough Nutrients/organics the water to make it foam more is that's correct. Max spec jump SK 800. And what should I set it to ranges from from 10/100 Teach LOL...

TX_REEF · Dec 7, 2023

+1 pair of clowns of your favorite variety are a great first addition.

jda · Dec 7, 2023

Skimmers have multiple uses. The obvious to most is to remove organic proteins - they need to break in and the tank has to have some for them to work in this way. Second, the skimmer will remove harsh metals and other impurities bound to organics - also not a big deal until you get fish and are feeding them since all food has some small amounts of nasty things in them. Third, the bubbles do gas exchange - both oxygenation, driving off excess co2, etc. Gas exchange is important even if the first two reasons are not.