just started cycling my tank

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by JCREEK, Jun 19, 2008.

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  1. JCREEK

    JCREEK Plankton

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2008
    Messages:
    19
    Location:
    california
    so this is the second time i've posted and i would just like some more feedback. i have a 29 gallon tank and i just bought: 20 pounds of live sand, about 5 pounds live rock, and i was given about 15 pounds of some dead live rock that i threw in there as well. i have a small top fin filter and 4 60 watt lights (2 white 2 blue) i also have a small 180 gallon pump. and i also have my heater running at about 80 degrees.
    my questions are:
    how long do i need to cycle my tank? (i am in no hurry btw)
    what do i need to be looking for to know my tank has cycled?
    when can i throw some damsels in?
    what organisms should i put in first and when?
    would it be a mistake to add more live rock and live sand in later?
    do i need my lights, pump, heater, filter, etc. on at this point?
    and is there anything i am doing wrong so far?
    please help me out!!!
     
    JCREEK, Jun 19, 2008
    JCREEK, Jun 19, 2008
    #1

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  2. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2007
    Messages:
    2,121
    Location:
    Manchester UK
    Youc an have the ehater on but i wouldnt bother with the lights, it will only encourage the growth of unsightly algae.

    Cycling lasts typical 8-12 weeks, i'd put a damsel in about 2-4weeks in, but some peopel consider this cruel and would ratehr use a prwn from the supermarket (if thats the case just throw it whenever)

    You need to keep testing your water to know when your tank is cycled.

    Ammonia spike
    Nitrite spike
    Nitrate spike

    Once Nitrate spikes ammonia/nitrite should be zero and your cycled!

    Hope this helps :)
     
    phoenixhieghts, Jun 19, 2008
    phoenixhieghts, Jun 19, 2008
    #2
  3. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2007
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    2,121
    Location:
    Manchester UK
    I can spell - i cant type
     
    phoenixhieghts, Jun 19, 2008
    phoenixhieghts, Jun 19, 2008
    #3
  4. nunch

    nunch Aiptasia Anemone

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2008
    Messages:
    596
    Location:
    Weston, Florida
    cycle can last up to 12 weeks. first you'll see ammonia then nitrites, and once your biological filter gets going you'll see those two drop and you start seeing nitrates. I'd wait to add anything until after your done cycling. start off w/ a hearty fish and i like to add snails to keep algae bloom in check. you can add LR and LS later if you wish but make sure the LR is cured if you add it after your cycle. you don't need your lights while cycling but everything else should be in use especially your filters cause that's where alot of your beneficial bacterial will be living.

    everything sounds good, got some pics?
     
    nunch, Jun 19, 2008
    nunch, Jun 19, 2008
    #4