New Tank

[highislander]

Hi
I recently purchased a new 90 gallon tank.
Today I added 45-50 # of Saltwaterfish's Fiji LiveRock... There's another box about the same amount coming tomorrow. So I'll have between 90-100 #s LR.
Now I realiize it may take as long as a Month or more until the Ammonia & Nitrite get back to 0... but in the meantime...
I would really appreciate your imput on the following...
1. Should I use anything to speed up the cycling? ... ie. Cycle
2. What about Ammonia reducing media?
3. What about Lighting during Cycling... (2 / 40w. std. flou.)
(I plan on getting an algae control package anyway so should I worry about algae blooms?)
4. What about "feeding" the Coraline Algae during cycling to try to save some of that beautiful color... If yes, what should I use?
Well, since today is the first day of the cycling project I have plenty of time to do research. I wanted to introduce myself to the group and ask that you share your opinions/experiences.
Thanks Alot!

 

[slofish]

WELCOME TO THE BOARD.
I cycled unconventionally, so i dont want to give any bad info. There are lots of others here who will be able to help you cycle quickly. Good luck on the new tank!!!

 

[shoreliner11]

Welcome.
I think you will find that most here will just tell you to wait it out. With all that lr in there the ammonia should spike nicely. Don't use ammonia reducing media because it will just prolong your cycle. The coralline algae shouldn't die if you have the lights on. It probably won't grow much, if at all, but it shouldn't need any reef suplements just yet.

 

[jimmyn]

coralline algae is tough. Wait it out, after your tanks cycles, just make sure your calc and alk levels are good and your other water parms are stabilized and the coralline will take off.
lighting is fine if you are not going to have any corals, for a FOWLR tank it is fine.
I personally don't believe in cycle. But, then again I haven't used it either. As stated above, you have enough live rock in your tank to properly cycle it. If you are in some sort of rush, you could throw in a raw cocktail shrimp, but not sure how much quicker it will cycle.
Only one suggestion, use RO or RO/DI water. Algae blooms are usually caused by either too much PO4 or NO3, of course lighting changes will cause as well. I think all of us have algae blooms in the beginning. Just get your clean-up crew after the tank cycles.
Good Luck

 

[dreeves]

Answers as suggested by myself...
1) No. A natural cycle is best.
2) No...they usually dont work...natural is best
3) Yes...it will aid any living creatures on the rock.
4) The coralline will survive...it is tough.
Dont add any livestock until after the cycle...dont get caught up in the rushing...it leads to disaster more frequently then not....take your time, learn the ins and outs and enjoy...