How to cycle the new salwater aquarium

[Justinv201]

I have had my fluval flex 32.5 gallon aquarium running for 3 days now with dry live rock and live sand. When do i know its done cycling ? Do i wait 2 weeks and just keel testing it ? Or do i need to add something to it to help, like ammonia or something else ?

 

[blaxsun]

Did you add any bacteria and have you tested the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

 

[Justinv201]

Did you add any bacteria and have you tested the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

I have not added anything to it. I have not tested it yet. Was going to test it friday, that would make it one full week.

 

[Dbichler]

You need to dose pure ammonia no scents and get it up to 2ppm. Add biospira, fritz turbo start or microbactor. Then wait for ammonia to drop to 0 then large water change to bring nitrates down to around 5. Usually takes about a week this way.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Cycling an Aquarium

Cycling a new aquarium. One of the earliest topics a new aquarium hobbyist needs to learn is how to properly cycle their aquarium. There is a ton of information on this process and many different methods on how to accomplish it. There are many different chemical and biological cycles our tank...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Rmckoy]

I’m order to start any cycle you need some sort of ammonia source .
whether it be ammonia , raw shrimp , ghost feeding with fish food .

something needs to be added to initially start .
I’d recommend researching everything from nitrogen cycle or watching Brs videos for setting up and beginning .

while you research it’s shopping time .
grab a few reliable test kits ( salifert is my choice )
For the start you will need
1) refractometer for measuring salinity
2) test kits for ammonia , nitrates
3 if you’re planning corals later you will eventually need calcium , magnesium , and alkalinity . Ph isn’t a bad kit to have on hand but you will notice different readings depending on time of day.

and finally
4) enjoy and make the best of everything
Happy reefing

 

[reeftankdude]

Fishless Fuel

Fritz Aquatics is one of America's leading water quality product manufacturers for aquarium, pond, water garden and aquaculture hobbyists and professionals.

fritzaquatics.com

One & Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria for Saltwater Aquaria | Dr Tims Aquatics

 

[reeftankdude]

Oops

 

[SteveMac84]

I have had my fluval flex 32.5 gallon aquarium running for 3 days now with dry live rock and live sand. When do i know its done cycling ? Do i wait 2 weeks and just keel testing it ? Or do i need to add something to it to help, like ammonia or something else ?

Welcome to the journey. My flex.

 

[Justinv201]

Fishless Fuel

Fritz Aquatics is one of America's leading water quality product manufacturers for aquarium, pond, water garden and aquaculture hobbyists and professionals.

fritzaquatics.com

One & Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria for Saltwater Aquaria | Dr Tims Aquatics

I have been using this for the past couple of days. Is this good or try something else ?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I have been using this for the past couple of days. Is this good or try something else ?

Never heard of it. Is this a type of bottled bacteria?
What is "step 1"?