Saltwater & Reef

Richy35 · 02-07-2012, 07:10 PM

I'm doing this on my phone and I tried to edit my message, and when I did it quoted myself. I tried to edit the mini cycle bit to prolonging the cycle adding live rock after starting a new tank.

Blag It · 02-08-2012, 02:30 AM

I am letting it settle, not touched it since last post.
I will be adding live rock, but was told semi cured might be better?
Oh right lol ok well unfortunately I can't afford any rock until Thursday so it will have to wait..
Not sure on the correct salinity as hydrometers can be misleading, so won't know for sure until I get a refractometer.
Thanks.

Richy35 · 02-08-2012, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blag It

I am letting it settle, not touched it since last post.
I will be adding live rock, but was told semi cured might be better?
Oh right lol ok well unfortunately I can't afford any rock until Thursday so it will have to wait..
Not sure on the correct salinity as hydrometers can be misleading, so won't know for sure until I get a refractometer.
Thanks.

Hi you should be ok with semi cured rock during your fishless cycle. But don't add anything until its cured. A mate of mine who runs his marine business told & showed me how to check if it's fully cured. Just take a piece of live rock and smell it, if it's smells a bit funky it's not fully cured. To me it smells a bit eggy.

Blag It · 02-08-2012, 12:54 PM

Ok that's a good tip, thanks

Getting some tomorrow.. I'm not fussed about how long the cycle takes, as long as its perfect before I put any creatures in!
Thanks again!

Richy35 · 02-08-2012, 02:09 PM

No probs, one main thing in doing marine is patients. Please keep posting with updates, it'll be nice to see how your getting along.

Blag It · 02-09-2012, 01:40 PM

Put the rock in today

Adjusted the water level and checked the specific gravity using a needle hydrometer. I went for the needle instead of a refractometer simply because of a huge difference in cost. The needle is close enough. Specific gravity is at 1.023 so all good.
The cycle needs a boost of ammonia, so going to get some tomorrow and add a little bit in to get it going.

Richy35 · 02-09-2012, 02:14 PM

Looking good. Keep the updates coming

Blag It · 02-09-2012, 02:30 PM

Thanks

will do!

Blag It · 02-11-2012, 10:47 AM

Used some aquarium start today in order to get the cycle started/going.
Was also given the option of purchasing a cheap hardy fish, such as a black Molly, and placing it in the tank to get the cycle going.
However I chose not to because I would only end up taking it back when the cycle had settled because I don't want one as an aquarium inhabitant.
Specific gravity is at 1.023, and water temperature I have increased to 25c (77f) so hoping it will settle in the next few days.

Richy35 · 02-11-2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blag It

Used some aquarium start today in order to get the cycle started/going.
Was also given the option of purchasing a cheap hardy fish, such as a black Molly, and placing it in the tank to get the cycle going.
However I chose not to because I would only end up taking it back when the cycle had settled because I don't want one as an aquarium inhabitant.
Specific gravity is at 1.023, and water temperature I have increased to 25c (77f) so hoping it will settle in the next few days.

Hi I would use a fish to help with the cycle either. Your salt is ok you want it between 1.023 & 1.026. I have my water set a 25c & all is fine in my tank. You will need to have a power head in there soon so you have good flow in you tank especially on your rock. I know this might be tricky with a biorb, the only power head that might work for you is a small hydor. They use magnets to keep it in place. I'm not sure if it will work though.