New Tank Build and Cycling

ksigaekdb · Sep 18, 2013

I am setting up my first saltwater tank after spending way to much money going to the local aquarium. I built my own stand, drilled a 39 gallon bowfront for rear g-holes overflow, listened to my wife yell at me at how much money I was spending and now I am waiting while my tank cycles. I purchased 40 lbs of live rock from my LFS, and some live sand, and got the tank wet a week ago. After testing my water everyday for the last week I have yet to see any sort of spikes I have read about. 3 days ago I registered .25 of ammonia and it was gone the next day. Could the tank be done cycling? I would have thought something would have registered by now, but I have read that using good LR could shorten the cycle dramatically. Any thoughts on whether it is done or should I wait another couple of weeks? I know the safe thing to do is to wait by I have guests coming over this weekend and if it is done I would love to have a fish (singular) swimming around for them! The two snails that hitchhiked on the rock are not much fun to look at. Thanks for any advice!

ksigaekdb · Sep 18, 2013

And because I am proud of my first woodworking adventure here is the stand that I built.

Darth Polymnus · Sep 18, 2013

How long has the tank been cycling? Using cured live rock may shorten the first initial cycle, but usually a new tank goes through several cycles. You may see an algae stage and a cyano/diatom stage. If its been more than 4 weeks, and levels are good, you may consider adding a hardy fish. But with all things saltwater, don't rush.

SeahorseKeeper · Sep 18, 2013

First, Welcome to R2R!!! I love the stand!! The tank is looking good!!

kschweer · Sep 18, 2013

Welcome to reef2reef! Tank and stand look great. Can't wait to see more

reefgeek96 · Sep 18, 2013

that's your first stand? wow cant wait to see what you end up doing after you have some more experience. good luck on the tank it all looks great

ksigaekdb · Sep 26, 2013

Thanks for the compliments! So I think I am through my diatom and cyano stage, lots of nasty stuff on the sand that has gone away. Now I am seeing some weird tube-like things growing off some of my rock, any have any idea what it is?