Tank Cycled but NO Algae bloom????

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by NYGiants, May 9, 2013.

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  1. NYGiants

    NYGiants Coral Banded Shrimp

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    My tank has been up and running for roughly 4 weeks, as of yesterday Amonia / Nitrites are at 0 and Nitrates at about 20... I havn't really seen much if any of an algae bloom.

    I set up my tank initially with tap water but soon after got a RODI unit and have been using an ATO with RODI water since...

    Is this a problem that I have not had an algae bloom?

    Also, I havnt been running my lights at all during this time.

    Is it safe for me to consider the tank cycled and add my first fish on Saturday?
     
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  3. jimmy_beaner

    jimmy_beaner Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    How would you get algae (a photosynthetic organism) if you haven't provided the tank any light?
    What is the tank volume? And how did you cycle? (What was used?... just a dead shrimp and base rock, or some live rock?)
     
  4. NYGiants

    NYGiants Coral Banded Shrimp

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    80 lbs base rock / sand , 72 G tank + 15 G sump, used a bio additive (Nutrafin Cycle) to start the cycle...

    Also I was initially told to not run any lights during the cycling process thats why I havn't had the lights on. Hope thats ok.
     
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  5. Vizzle1717

    Vizzle1717 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    +1. for real.

    Get those lights on a regular 8-12 hour schedule
     
  6. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    It's common for people to not run lights during cycle thinking they will avoid the algae blooms. Maybe you will get lucky and not experience the typical algae blooms.

    I would ghost feed the tank some fish food and test for ammonia the next day and see if the tank/biological filter can handle the decaying organic matter.
     
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  7. NYGiants

    NYGiants Coral Banded Shrimp

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    I will set up the light schedule once I get home tonight, is it safe to add first fish this weekend or do I need to wait ?
     
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  9. tgood

    tgood Sea Dragon

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    I would use the advice Corailline gave just to ensure that the tank can handle decay. If it can't handle some food breakdown, it probably won't be able to handle a fish. If anything give it some time with the light cycle you are starting. You might get a bloom now that you are providing light, in which case a cleanup crew would be needed before adding fish.
     
  10. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Challenge the tank with ghost feedings and see if it's safe to add fish.
     
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  11. tgood

    tgood Sea Dragon

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    +1 - patience is key... I'd rather see you wait a little longer and be sure the tank is stable than have issues start to arise after you've added livestock.
     
  12. NYGiants

    NYGiants Coral Banded Shrimp

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    I apologize Corailline I didnt see your first post about ghost feeding before I commented. I will set up my Solar Extreme T5 light schedule tonight as well as ghost feed a pinch of pellets and see how the system reacts tomorrow night.

    Anything I should be looking for tomorrow night?.. Just Amonia / Nitrite levels showing up?
     
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