To start or to wait

shahprincea · Sep 16, 2019

Hi Guys,

I bought 4 feet by 2 feet tank from waterbox and at this point ready. I need some help in deciding "to start or to wait".

Since I am starting with dry rock (carib sea liferock) and bare bottom I wanted to start the cycling process. I know it will take some time to stabilitize as I am in no rush. However, I do have long trip for 35 days during holidays. So I am left with following options.

If I do connect the system would what should be my constant source of Ammonia ? I will add benifical bacetria to kick start the nitrogen cycle (Biospiral).

At this point should I connect my protein skimmer or run it open so that it adds oxygen but does not skim out good bacteria.

- Start the tank when I am back in Jan 2020
- Start the tank and dont connect the overflow. Bascially, top section only with auto top off connected. I can move my marine pure (bio media) in the display area along with liferock.
- Plumb the whole system and don't worry about it.

Please note that I can ask my friend to top off Auto Top of reservious but beyond that they are noob (And don't want to take a chance with skimmer and water changes)

brandon429 · Sep 16, 2019

liferock is painted with coralline and becomes cycled in two weeks only adding water. no other items required, set it up and let it circulate before your vacation you'll return to a cycled tank, no tests no bottle bac no dosers needed. not anything you do regarding skimmer or sump arrangements will matter in the cycling process, set them up or not won't matter. liferock+saltwater+two weeks time= a tank that can pass an ammonia oxidation test ran/proof of cycling done.

shahprincea · Sep 16, 2019

brandon429 said:
liferock is painted with coralline and becomes cycled in two weeks only adding water. no other items required, set it up and let it circulate before your vacation you'll return to a cycled tank, no tests no bottle bac no dosers needed. not anything you do regarding skimmer or sump arrangements will matter in the cycling process, set them up or not won't matter. liferock+saltwater+two weeks time= a tank that can pass an ammonia oxidation test ran/proof of cycling done.

Thank you I read about the coating but was not sure though it was marketing gimik. But now that you testify I will take that route. During the two weeks cycle did you add any amonia source at all ?

BeejReef · Sep 16, 2019

I can't speak to how liferock cycles, but staring at a cycling tank and binging youtube videos on beautiful fish and corals is reefer hell. If your friend can manage to drop in a few flakes or pellets while topping off your water, you should be in great shape to actually get started. Most say skimmer on or off doesn't matter.

If you can count on your friend, I'd plumb it and run the return pump. Let the bacteria colonize your plumbing and sump as well. If not 100% reliable, I'd not run the sump and return pump bc it could run dry and burn out.

brandon429 · Sep 16, 2019

no ammonia is needed, they're painted ready per the co thread / all set

in our microbiology of cycling thread, we have a few liferock cycles collected they're all 12 days n done.

shahprincea · Sep 16, 2019

brandon429 said:
no ammonia is needed, they're painted ready per the co thread / all set

in our microbiology of cycling thread, we have a few liferock cycles collected they're all 12 days n done.

Which test kit do you guys recommend for long success of reef keping

brandon429 · Sep 17, 2019

hey check this out

New cycle and zeo light method

Hi, I have recently started a new tank (Reefer 250). I put carib sea life rock and live sand in it. After 5 days of no activity, I added a raw shrimp and let it rot for 4 - 5 days. Then I took it out. Now my measurements are No2 1 ppm and No3 100+ ppm. This has been like this for more than a...

www.reef2reef.com

api marine master test kits are ok to use.