Finally my 120 gal reef

[alimon]

I began the cycling on saturday. I am not sure if I need my lights on while cycling. Any suggestion?
Which additives should I use and when?
Also would somebody tell me the optimum levels? PH, Alk, etc...
Thanks.
120 gal oceanic reef ready
1 overflow box, 2 durso pipes,
3/4 return via mag 18
Protein skimmer PM run by little giant 4MDQ-SC
2x250 MH
2 PC actinic
2 pc 10000
Fiji live rock
Argonite sand

 

[jayc]

Looks good!
Josh

 

[fishamajig]

did you buy live rock to start the tank? it looks like there aint too much growth to start with.. or are you going to buy a few pieces and seed the rest?

 

[aidos]

best to have ya lights of when ya cycling, u will find that u will go through a stage when algae grows every where and by keeping ur lighting on ur only encouraging it to grow more. its best to leave them of i think, its not essential, but u can always turn them on when mates come ova and turn them of when they leave, or if u wanna have a look or take photos.

 

[alimon]

My LFS had a tank running with this rock for like 6 months and since where I live now (Veracruz, mexico) there is not a lot of people on the reef hobby, he will stop selling it and made me a good deal.
I assume is fully cured and has beautiful purpple coraline growing everywhere. Everything you see dark in the picture is purple coraline.
He also gave me the like a bucket of argonite with it, I assume I can consider ir live sand, or not?
Since this was like a relocation, I am expecting an amonia cycle?

 

[aidos]

i would think that u would still get an ammonia spike, but it would have depended on how u transported it from the store, if it was fully submerged in water i would say it would be small, but if it was exposed to air for more than a few mins i would say that u would have a normal ammonia spike, but im not sure on the specifics. i would test but also assume that u will have one, there is no need to rush and the longer u wait the more mature ur tank will be and the better for u chosen livestock.
Its look really good, nice aquascape.

 

[alimon]

It was out for at least 45 minutes. Then a spike is expected, but should I put raw shrim or it will start itself?
This is my first reef tank, then I have tons of questions. All help is welcome.