Cycling ?

[mjordan23]

I have been cycling my 125 gallon FOWLR tank for about 2 1/2 weeks now. I bought 45 lbs of FIJI live rock and two damsels. One damsel died first night b/c I believe he got sucked up in the overflow box

The other one is doing fine. I am feeding him every day ect. Salinity and temp are ok. After 2 1/2 weeks however Ph is 8.2, Nitrite 0, Ammonia is 0, and Nitrates are 0. This is the same as when I tested in 2 weeks ago. How home my cycle is starting yet. Brown algea is growing and it might be starting to turn a greenish tint. What do you guys think? I know I have to be patient but Im just worried that the cycle hasnt happened yet.
Mark

 

[travis89]

I would have to say that it probably hasn't happened yet because if it had then the nitrates would be high. Maybe you could try putting a cocktail shrimp in there to make sure because the ammonia should have spiked by now if it was cycling. Other then that I think your fine, just be patient.

 

[bang guy]

I think you're fine. I'd just be patient though and let the tank mature a bit more.
What are your plans for this system?

 

[mjordan23]

Im not really sure.....once my tank is cycled I will prolly get the yellow tailed damsel out because he will be a pain in the a, im sure......I will eventually need more live rock cause what I have now is not that great but I am trying to make do what I got....maybe x-mas another 45 lbs....I will have to post pictures....My first fish is either going to be a huma-huma, niger, or tank raised clown fish or 2. Any suggestions on what would be better. I love triggers and I really want to get at least one but I dont want to corner myself and get an aggressive fish and not be able to add anything else. What do you guys think. I have some hidding spots in the tank but really not that many until xmas where I can prolly get more rock.

 

[giacomo]

I have a 55 gallon tank, and I was told that if I want to do a reef tank I have to have 110lb of live rock, 2 times the rock per gallon, if I want to do that. Is this true, or am I ok if I have 50lbs to 80lbs?
Thanks for your help!

 

[bang guy]

Reef tanks have no specific live rock requirement. Whatever you think looks nice is the right amount.

 

[bang guy]

Originally Posted by MJordan23
My first fish is either going to be a huma-huma, niger, or tank raised clown fish or 2. Any suggestions on what would be better. I love triggers and I really want to get at least one but I dont want to corner myself and get an aggressive fish and not be able to add anything else. What do you guys think.
I suggest asking this as a seperate question in the Aggressive Forum.

 

[readster]

it'll be fine, a tank that big, you may not even notice any effects of ammonia at all, my 55 cycled, and i never even knew it.