The slowest build thread ever, apparently.

[cba191]

I don't want it to look cluttered, but I don't want it to look empty.

This is where it's going.

 

[Peace River]

Nice! I like the height variation, the 3 islands, and the pass throughs.

 

[cba191]

Actually in the tank.

 

[cba191]

Well, I ordered the sch 80 plumbing yesterday from BRS. Paid the extra for 2nd day air so I could have everything setup on Saturday...

It's arriving Monday.

 

[mmorrison55]

You may want to also try https://www.pvcfittingsonline.com/. Some things BRS was less expensive, but I found pvc fittings online to generally have better prices and more selection.

 

[cba191]

You may want to also try https://www.pvcfittingsonline.com/. Some things BRS was less expensive, but I found pvc fittings online to generally have better prices and more selection.

i didn't find out their 2 day shipping was 4 days until after it shipped

 

[Airedale Reef]

To help expedite things along...you may want to get the rocks in water with your nitrifying bacteria to begin the cycle process, while you wait for parts. A bucket, and heater will suffice for now. I always hated having everything set up, just to wait an additional two weeks or so for the bacteria to tack the ammonia.

 

[cba191]

To help expedite things along...you may want to get the rocks in water with your nitrifying bacteria to begin the cycle process, while you wait for parts. A bucket, and heater will suffice for now. I always hated having everything set up, just to wait an additional two weeks or so for the bacteria to tack the ammonia.

I hadn't thought about that

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[cba191]

Wasn't expecting it to be this cloudy but, oh well.

 

[mmorrison55]

Same thing happened to me. It’s from not rinsing your sand. It will clear up in a few days. If you want to speed it up, you could throw in a bag of activated carbon

 

[cba191]

Same thing happened to me. It’s from not rinsing your sand. It will clear up in a few days. If you want to speed it up, you could throw in a bag of activated carbon

i didn't think you were supposed to rinse live sand

 

[mmorrison55]

That was my thoughts as well, but apparently that’s why my water was so cloudy upon start up. I dropped a bag of carbon in my sump, and water was clear a day or so later.

 

[cba191]

I was finally able to start the cycle! now we wait?

How are people cleaning the exterior glass on their tanks? I'm assuming you don't just spray some windex and hope it doesn't get in the tank.

 

[MoeStachio]

Wasn't expecting it to be this cloudy but, oh well.

Did your sand come with a clarifying agent? Little package in the sand?

Which brand did you use?

If the agent is there, use it.

If it's not it may be in the sand itself

Either way if it's there- it'll clear up in around 24hrs

 

[MoeStachio]

I was finally able to start the cycle! now we wait?

How are people cleaning the exterior glass on their tanks? I'm assuming you don't just spray some windex and hope it doesn't get in the tank.

I just use a damp cloth.

Chemicals are ill advised.

Congrats on starting finally!!!

 

[cba191]

as for the lights, On or off during the cycle?

 

[cba191]

Now for the waiting

 

[MoeStachio]

as for the lights, On or off during the cycle?

As I understand it (I very well may be wrong) nutrifying bacteria doesn't care about the lights.

Algae however, does.

So lights will not aid or hinder the bacteria directly

But lights will help algae grow, and algae will fight the bacteria for ammonia and nitrites. Thus slowing the cycle.

 

[mmorrison55]

I was finally able to start the cycle! now we wait?

How are people cleaning the exterior glass on their tanks? I'm assuming you don't just spray some windex and hope it doesn't get in the tank.

I use rodi water in one of these.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-So...sGp85uEr3uNPYLGOSmzASvzkzc22ac4hoCTe0QAvD_BwE
And then use a squeegee to remove and clean the water.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/MOXIE-All-Purpose-Rubber-Shower-Squeegee/5014378035