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My tank has been up and running for about 3-4 weeks. How do I know when it is finished cycling? Algae has started to grow in some places. When do I need to add the clean up crew.
I'm guessing if there's algae you leave the lights on? You don't need to have the lights on during a cycle as I'm sure this is just an empty tank right now.
You have done the right thing by connecting to this forum. You will learn a lot especially from experienced saltwater enthusiast. You can find helpful information from my feed: Started a 125 Gallon Salt Water Reef Tank
I have completed my 6 week cycle today. I have no algae build up and my water is crystal clear. I did not have my light on during the cycle.
My Nitrate are around 20-30ppm. I am working at getting that down. pH: 8.1, Ammonia: 0ppm and Nitrite: 0ppm. I can convert both in less than 24 hrs. If you do the fishless cycle you can monitor both and make sure you can convert for example 4ppm of Ammonia to Nitrite in 24hrs or less.
You may need to do big water changes to bring down Nitrate and Phosphates levels.