My Cycling Process

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anthonynyc

Guest
Before starting my first saltwater tank I spent hours and hours on these forums and a lot of excellent conversations with co-workers about salt water fish. Its seems that it's a natural transition from fresh water or brackish water. The same with me, a fresh water hobbyist since a kid.
One area that I could not really find specific info was the cycling process. I knew the basics but was not sure how high the spikes would be in relation to time so I documented my cycling process with dates and readings and any additions.
It looks like my tank may have finished cycling but not 100% sure. Below are my readings for the past month. I will tell a little about my setup first.
72 Gallon Tank (Bowfront)
1 Fluval 404 Filter
1 Emporer (large one with 2 BioWheels)
1 402 powerhead with a sponge filter on bottom
10lbs of live rock (1 large piece)
Crushed Coral Base
2 Standard Home Depot Flourecent bulbs.
Temperature - 79-80 degrees
2 Percula clowns
2 Yellow tail Damsels
1 striped Damsel
1-DecSet up tank with water etc
6-OctAdded 2 Damsels
16-Decadded 2 clowns, live rock
23-DecTopped off with about 4 gallons of tap water and rearranged tank.
24-DecAdded PH UP to raise PH
Salinity
10-Dec1.019
13-Dec1.024
18-Dec1.024
20-Dec1.024
24-Dec1.024
27-Dec1.024
30-Dec1.024
Ammnonia
10-Dec0
13-Dec0
18-Dec0
20-Dec1
24-Dec0.5
27-Dec0.25
30-Dec0
PH
10-Dec8
13-Dec8.2
18-Dec8.2
20-Dec8.2
24-Dec7.8
27-Dec8.2
30-Dec8
Nitrates
10-Dec0
13-Dec0
18-Dec0
20-Dec0
24-Dec10
27-Dec20
30-Dec0
Nitrites
10-Dec0
13-Dec0
18-Dec0
20-Dec0.5
24-Dec5
27-Dec5
30-Dec0
Now looking back I knew there were a few things that I should not have done.
1. Added fishes too early I think, especially the clowns.
2. I depended on the LFS to get my readings until I got my Test Kit delivered.
3. Should not have added tap water.
4. More Live Rock needed.
5. Cleaning Crew needed.
6. Should not have added PH up but maybe wait for the tank to cycle on own.
I also plan on adding the following in the future.
1 Yellow tang
1 Emporer Angel
1 Cleaner shrimp
Clean up crew
More Live Rock
Anemones (once I understand lighting better)
Is that too much for a 72 gallon tank?
Does it look like the cycling process is over? It can't be this easy right!
Thanks,
Anthony
 
pfitz44

pfitz44

Active Member
your ammonia still looks a litthe high..... let it run its course... you cound add some CURED LR, that might help a little
 
A

anthonynyc

Guest
Originally Posted by PFitz44
your ammonia still looks a litthe high..... let it run its course... you cound add some CURED LR, that might help a little
The ammonia is actually down to 0 now, I corrected. Writing all those numbers was a pain since the formatting would not stay the same as excel!
I was also feeding 3 times a day. I cut that down to 2 small feedings now.
Any opinions on sponge filters? Good/Bad?
Thanks!
Anthony
 
ruaround

ruaround

Active Member
you need to get more bio filtration in your tank, i.e. MORE LR, and/or convert to LS. The standard home depot bulbs are NOT good for aquariums, the RED spectrum is more previlant and will start a diatom bloom, which will turn your tank brown. Towards the end of a cycle your tank will have a little brown on the rock and substrate, and will subside, but those lights will promote the growth of Algae. Go to you local LFS and get proper Aquarium Lighting and more LR... Keep us posted on your status!!!
 
A

anthonynyc

Guest
Originally Posted by ruaround
you need to get more bio filtration in your tank, i.e. MORE LR, and/or convert to LS. The standard home depot bulbs are NOT good for aquariums, the RED spectrum is more previlant and will start a diatom bloom, which will turn your tank brown. Towards the end of a cycle your tank will have a little brown on the rock and substrate, and will subside, but those lights will promote the growth of Algae. Go to you local LFS and get proper Aquarium Lighting and more LR... Keep us posted on your status!!!
I forgot to mention that I already have that brown algae, its on the glass in spots and already on the gravel exactly as you mentioned. Its not too pleasing to look at!
I have 2 long 48inch bulbs in there now. I plan on adding anemones later on as well. My local fish store guys are nice but sometimes do not know too much. Can you give me more specifics on the light bulbs I should get?
Thanks for the feedback!!!
Anthony
 
ruaround

ruaround

Active Member
you will want to get 50/50 bulbs or 10,000k with a actinic...coralife makes bulbs, but its not the only brand out there, its just a brand I have used with success...
you will need to do some/alot reading about anenomeas and their needs (water conditions, lighting, diet, etc.etc.)...IMO an anenomea shouldnt be put into a tank that is under 18 to 24 mos old.
 
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