Red Sea Reefer Cycle

Chris918 · 02/03/2018, 12:27 PM

I have a Red Sea 350. This tank is using BRS reef saver dry rock and will be bare bottom. I've been looking over the cycling products available. I have used Bio Spira and Dr. Tim's, but was considering the Red Sea mature kit. I've heard this kit recommends you have the lights on during the cycle and it also mentions live rock instead of dry rock so I'm unsure if this kit will be the best option. Any advice or opinions?

Thanks!

kfisc · 02/03/2018, 05:12 PM

Perhaps a minority opinion, but I swear to gosh you'd do just as well letting the tank cycle without any product beyond your patience and good test kits.

nereefpat · 02/03/2018, 05:16 PM

No reason that you have to run lights during the cycle.

I would, because a big box of blue water turns my crank. But you don't have to, as it gives algae a head start.

JUNBUG361 · 02/03/2018, 05:29 PM

You could buy ammonia from ace hardware store, you could add dead shrimp, live rock that’s pest free to help seed

thegrun · 02/04/2018, 03:19 PM

If you want or need a quick cycle there is nothing wrong with the bacteria in a bottle products. I had a situation where I needed some cycled rock quickly and got a two day cycle using Dr. Tim's One and Only. Normally I simply add enough pure ammonia without perfumes or surfactants (I get mine at Ace Hardware) to raise the ammonia to 2ppm and simply let nature take it from there, but expect a 4-5 week cycle using that method.

02/03/2018, 12:27 PM	#1
Chris918 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 174	Red Sea Reefer Cycle I have a Red Sea 350. This tank is using BRS reef saver dry rock and will be bare bottom. I've been looking over the cycling products available. I have used Bio Spira and Dr. Tim's, but was considering the Red Sea mature kit. I've heard this kit recommends you have the lights on during the cycle and it also mentions live rock instead of dry rock so I'm unsure if this kit will be the best option. Any advice or opinions? Thanks!

02/03/2018, 05:16 PM	#3
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	No reason that you have to run lights during the cycle. I would, because a big box of blue water turns my crank. But you don't have to, as it gives algae a head start. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

02/03/2018, 05:12 PM	#2
kfisc Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 2,020	Perhaps a minority opinion, but I swear to gosh you'd do just as well letting the tank cycle without any product beyond your patience and good test kits.

02/03/2018, 05:29 PM	#4
JUNBUG361 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Antioch,CALIFORNIA Posts: 1,091	You could buy ammonia from ace hardware store, you could add dead shrimp, live rock that’s pest free to help seed

02/04/2018, 03:19 PM	#5
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	If you want or need a quick cycle there is nothing wrong with the bacteria in a bottle products. I had a situation where I needed some cycled rock quickly and got a two day cycle using Dr. Tim's One and Only. Normally I simply add enough pure ammonia without perfumes or surfactants (I get mine at Ace Hardware) to raise the ammonia to 2ppm and simply let nature take it from there, but expect a 4-5 week cycle using that method.