Cycling tank ??

[jrsticks]

I started my Biocube 29 this week with 20 pounds of live sand and 35-40 pounds of live rock. I have the in tank Media basket and fugue no cheato yet. I have also started dosing microb lift the first day. Should I be running my skimmer? I was also wondering if I should be running my lighting ( still stock )? If so what length of time? I have noticed some life in the tank so far small Bristol worms and some small feather dusters I think.

 

[ClownAquatics]

You do not need to run the skimmer, I would let the tank cycle without it running. Also you do not really need to run the light while the tank is cycling.

You are off to a good start with using live sand and live rock. Monitor the ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates over the next few weeks. Once your ammonia and nitrites reach zero consider a clean up crew.

In the meantime I would recommend reading on quarantining fish and ask any other questions you have. I have always been a fan of the biocubes, maybe you can start a tank thread and share some pictures as you progress .

Any questions please feel free to ask and MR as a community aims to ensure you are successful in this wonderful hobby!

 

[jrsticks]

Thanks for the quick response and advice. I have been reading for some time but sometimes you read some conflicting advice so I like to ask. As far as a quarantine tank I unfortunately don't have any room for one but I still have time to figure that out while the tank is cycling. I am going to pick up cheato tomorrow hopefully. I also have some lite algae starting to grow on one or two rocks. But I don't want to throw in a clean up crew. I don't know if they are affected by the cycle like fish are.

 

[ClownAquatics]

Thanks for the quick response and advice. I have been reading for some time but sometimes you read some conflicting advice so I like to ask. As far as a quarantine tank I unfortunately don't have any room for one but I still have time to figure that out while the tank is cycling. I am going to pick up cheato tomorrow hopefully. I also have some lite algae starting to grow on one or two rocks. But I don't want to throw in a clean up crew. I don't know if they are affected by the cycle like fish are.

Do you have a room for a small 10g tank? maybe on the side of the biocube just temporary to QT your fish prior to putting them in? Nothing fancy just a 10g tank, simple hob filter w/ a sponge, and a heater is all that is needed. IMO a QT is one of the most crucial components of any successful tank. It allows your fish to build their immune system, gain weight, and ensure no diseases/issues prior to putting them in your tank full of expensive items!

You are on the right path, I would wait to add the CUC until the tank is cycled. Slow and steady wins the race of the reef .

Any idea of stocking plans? corals? fish? Sharks :jk: :bagfish:

 

[jrsticks]

I really don't have room small house wife and two LiL ones toys take priority over my stuff lol. I have a small boiler room I am trying to squeeze my RO/DI in. As far as live stock thinking a ocellairs clown maybe a pair, yellow watchmen goby I was thinking blue damsel but I think they are going to be to aggressive. Then not sure. Corals I am going to wait till I get a handle on the tanks parameters and know how to correct a problem in the tank when it happens. Don't want to kill everything. I will start a tank thread when after the holidays when I get a chance. One more question should I be doing water changes once a week while cycling?

 

[ClownAquatics]

thinking a ocellairs clown maybe a pair, yellow watchmen goby I was thinking blue damsel. One more question should I be doing water changes once a week while cycling?

A pair of clownfish in that tank would be awesome! Yellow watchman goby are great too!

I would stray from damsels as you mentioned they are aggressive and I've never met a nice damsel.

I would recommend to monitor your parameters, if you'd like do maybe a 5g water change every week or every 2 weeks, but nothing crazy. Let nature run its course and then once things settle down do the water changes.

If you do not have the room to setup a QT I would recommend buying from reputable sources.
BTW If you haven't already I would recommend a refractometer, it is probably on the top 3 of must have for equipment next to ro/di maker!

Any other questions please ask.

 

[jrsticks]

Thanks for the offer I may take you up on it. I do have a refractometer and I live 10 min from maximum reef and they are pretty good as far as health of live stock and variety and they are very helpfully. Thanks for all the help. I am sure I will have many questions in the near future.