New 55 gallon tank cycling 1st week

How long do I have to wait until I turn on the power heads, the carbon filters and heater ? I haven't tested for nitrate or nitrite yet but will do soon, the amonia was 0 according to the test.

 

the ph's you should be able to turn on now. get the water circulating. each tank is different in regards to ammonia,nitrites and nitrate readings . give it tim e, they will show up. are you using LR or base rock? and remember, no water changes until your cycle is over and done with. good luck.

guy

 

Using 30lb of live rock now, might consider adding more later but just don't like too much rock on my tank. I'll wait another week then and measure the water again before turning my equipment..

thanks ~ regards

 

get the tank to temperature and turn the powerheads on now. do you have a skimmer?

 

regardless of where your params are at now TURN ON your power heads and return pump (if you have one) to get that water circulating. If you have a skimmer turn that on too. like stated above-- get you heater on as well to get your temp between 75-80 (or at your liking).

you can add small amounts of fish food to your tank to help spike the ammonia but the LR you have in there should have some die off that should add ammonia.

typically your looking at a 30 day wait period b4 adding any live stock. your cycle may not take 30 days but in any event giving your water params a few extra days to stabilize will save you some Advil for your headaches that are sure to come when you add too quickly to your tank. even tanks that have been running for many months still often dont have their water chemistry balanced out.

 

Alright .. I'll turn them on tonight ~

Thanks guys

 

actually you can get a piece of raw shrimp and throw it in. it will get the bacteria going that you want going.