Rookie Cycling Question

[NYTexan]

I have a 150 gallon tank w/ wet/dry filter and protein skimmer. I want to start cycling the tank this weekend with 120lbs of LS and 100lbs of LR. I plan on mixing the saltwater Friday using tap water and Genesis de-chlorinator. Does it matter that I will use tap water w/ the Gensis and not RO/DI water when mixing the saltwater? I will then add the LS and LR the next day after everything settles in the tank. Will this process of adding the LR and LS work fine with this way a mixing the saltwater? As well to begin cycling the tank? Also, what else, if anything, should I do to start cycling the tank? I know I should not run the protein skimmer while the tank is cycling. I will answer any questions you have promptly as well. Thanks and glad to be a part of this community.

 

[Deanos]

Using nearly 150 gallons of tap water may present frustrating nuisance algae problems after the tank has cycled. While many tanks experience algae blooms after a cycle, you may face longer and more difficult-to-eradicate blooms.

 

[NYreefNoob]

Do Not Use Tap Water Period For A Reef Tank, Buy The Ro-di First Save Yourself Some Trouble, Or Petsmart Has The Di Filter. Put Sand In Then Start Adding Water, Then The Rock, Add A Phosban Reactor, Skimmer Can Run During The Cycle, Leave Lights Off, No Need For Them To Be On, Put A Piece Of Raw Shrimp In, This Will Help Cycle The Tank

 

[NYTexan]

Also...

I do not plan on adding any coral, so does this still require the use of a RO/DI filter?

 

[NYreefNoob]

Yes, U Will End Up With Algea Problems, And Its Cheaper For The Ro-di Then To Buy The Tap Water Filter In The Long Run

 

[NYTexan]

So if I buy a ro-di filter, I do not have to buy a Phosban Reactor? Sorry for so many questions...

 

[Deanos]

Depending on your bio-load and skimmer efficiency, you may still need a phosphate reactor to remove the excess buildup of phosphates due primarily to feeding (assuming you're using ro/di for top-off/water changes)

 

[h20 freak]

Definitely get an RO unit.

 

[masterswimmer]

I totally agree with everyone here. Using tap water will likely lead to frustration. The fact that you'll be using LR for the added biological colonies will give lots of places for algae to take root.....regardless of the fact that you won't be keeping a reef tank with coral.

Russ

 

[NYreefNoob]

and what you plan to keep now, and what you will want 6 months from now is a different story

 

[nanchil]

Please use RODI. I have to rebuild my tank just because i didnt know about this RODI when I started my first tank.

 

[boardryder]

DO NOT USE TAP WATER. I repeat. DO NOT USE TAP WATER. That is unless you test it and measuers out as good as ro/di water.

I started my tank out with tap water and I have a losing battle to po4. Plus if you use ro/di I think things could kick off a lot quicker with not as many bad nutrients in your water column.

 

[NYTexan]

Thanks everyone, any suggestion and specific RODI units to buy, with 150 gallons to fill initially, I would like one that can do this the fastest

 

[mray]

100gpd. Depending on your water pressure RODI units may or may not reach their full potential.

Also you might want to find a line extension at Home Depot. Filling your tank with buckets will suck, trust me.

 

[masterswimmer]

Thanks everyone, any suggestion and specific RODI units to buy, with 150 gallons to fill initially, I would like one that can do this the fastest

Here's a great unit. Nice talking with you.

Russ