Don't turn on the lights?

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by Eli_The_Eel, Apr 7, 2008.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. paulg

    paulg Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2008
    Messages:
    212
    Location:
    warren michigan
    Just your nitrates, nitrites, ammonia and ph for now. All will spike really high then gradually come down. Dont do any water changes until its cycled. I always keep a log in with my test kit so I can look when the last test was done, I also document all my water changes on the log.

    Do you have enough power heads in the tank? Good circulation will also keep the bad algea at bay to an extent during cycling
     
    1 person likes this.
  2. Click Here!

  3. Eli_The_Eel

    Eli_The_Eel Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2008
    Messages:
    156
    Yea, I have 2 400 GPH PHs in there. My nitrites are spiked right now, nitrates and everything else are normal.
     
  4. tazzy695

    tazzy695 Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2008
    Messages:
    216
    Location:
    flint, michigan
    2 400 gph pumps arent quite enough for a reef tank I would recomend a couple of high flow powerheads say about 1000 gph each
     
  5. bmshehan

    bmshehan Fu Manchu Lion Fish

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,904
    Location:
    Columbus, Indiana
    I waited almost 3 months for my lights, a couple days after I turned them on I put a small cleanup crew in there to help the small algae/bacterial bloom. The older your tank is the better it will handle this bloom. IMO you will have at least 3 mos. of initial cycle. Slow down, and spend the time learning. Anyone on here will tell you that going slow and taking your time will pay off big time in the long run. In the meantime, check out this thread: 3reef.com - Forums for coral reef aquariums, salt water fish, corals, inverts, protein skimmers, aquarium lighting and more! - 3reef Articles - Reef Aquarium Articles and How To's - How NOT to set up your first reef tank.