just started my cycle

oscarslr · 09/02/2007, 11:53 AM

glad to say my cycle is now started, i just have a question or two, about how long did it take you guys for the water not to be cloudy, and im having trouble adjusting my skimmer, what level should the water reach inside the skimmer so it could be most efficient

six.line · 09/02/2007, 12:52 PM

Cloudy water should settle overnight unless you've got extremely turbulent flow or something kicking it up.

I don't have a skimmer, but it helps to ask with specifics: who makes your skimmer would probably be a good place to start.

Good luck.

jcpatella · 09/02/2007, 01:39 PM

I just set up my tank about two months ago. For about the first three days, the water was a bit cloudy (from the new sand). Also, to keep up with the suspended particles clouding up the water, I'd periodically wash out my filters (where it collects). I find that if you just let it settle (without some turbulence and filtration), it will re-cloud anytime you mess with the sand bed.

75Gallons · 09/02/2007, 05:52 PM

Took about 3 days for me for it too completely lose its cloudy tinge. Only 1 day after i added some live rock.

wooden_reefer · 09/02/2007, 07:39 PM

Why are you using the protein skimmer during cycling?

I think cycling is a simple process.

Think of it as a storm and after it passes your tank will be better.

barngeatbayman · 09/02/2007, 08:10 PM

why wouldn't you use the protien skimmer during cycling?

wooden_reefer · 09/02/2007, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by barngeatbayman
why wouldn't you use the protien skimmer during cycling?

Why would you use a skimmer during cycling?

jcpatella · 09/02/2007, 08:40 PM

I wish I'd have waited to put my live rock in after it settled - it had a thin white layer on it from the settling particles. And I'd also like to know why not to use the protein skimmer during cycling...

claymc · 09/02/2007, 08:46 PM

as far as water leve to be most efficient.. on mine, I set the level to where when I first turn it on, the micro bubbles are right below the bottom of the cup. as protein is collected, the bubbles will get larger, and finally push up over the top of your cup. If it's too high, you'll easily over flow it, and too low, you'll never get the bubbles into the collar

09/02/2007, 11:53 AM	#1
oscarslr Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 782	just started my cycle glad to say my cycle is now started, i just have a question or two, about how long did it take you guys for the water not to be cloudy, and im having trouble adjusting my skimmer, what level should the water reach inside the skimmer so it could be most efficient __________________ Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. Aristotle Current Tank Info: 225g All Starphire tank/ SPS dominated 4 mp40s ATB 1050A 8 60w T5

09/02/2007, 12:52 PM	#2
six.line Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Logan, UT Posts: 775	Cloudy water should settle overnight unless you've got extremely turbulent flow or something kicking it up. I don't have a skimmer, but it helps to ask with specifics: who makes your skimmer would probably be a good place to start. Good luck. __________________ This post approved by Mrs. Sixline. assign <= six.line(#FFFFFF && string("nerdy")) Current Tank Info: 30 gallon with 10 gallon sump

09/02/2007, 01:39 PM	#3
jcpatella Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 814	I just set up my tank about two months ago. For about the first three days, the water was a bit cloudy (from the new sand). Also, to keep up with the suspended particles clouding up the water, I'd periodically wash out my filters (where it collects). I find that if you just let it settle (without some turbulence and filtration), it will re-cloud anytime you mess with the sand bed. __________________ Dogs - Man's best friend; entropy's greatest catalyst. Current Tank Info: Biocube 8 on the way!

09/02/2007, 05:52 PM	#4
75Gallons Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 239	Took about 3 days for me for it too completely lose its cloudy tinge. Only 1 day after i added some live rock. Last edited by 75Gallons; 09/02/2007 at 06:00 PM.

09/02/2007, 08:40 PM	#8
jcpatella Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 814	I wish I'd have waited to put my live rock in after it settled - it had a thin white layer on it from the settling particles. And I'd also like to know why not to use the protein skimmer during cycling... __________________ Dogs - Man's best friend; entropy's greatest catalyst. Current Tank Info: Biocube 8 on the way!

09/02/2007, 07:39 PM	#5
wooden_reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 4,670	Why are you using the protein skimmer during cycling? I think cycling is a simple process. Think of it as a storm and after it passes your tank will be better.

09/02/2007, 08:10 PM	#6
barngeatbayman Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: freehold, nj Posts: 380	why wouldn't you use the protien skimmer during cycling?

09/02/2007, 08:46 PM	#9
claymc Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 119	as far as water leve to be most efficient.. on mine, I set the level to where when I first turn it on, the micro bubbles are right below the bottom of the cup. as protein is collected, the bubbles will get larger, and finally push up over the top of your cup. If it's too high, you'll easily over flow it, and too low, you'll never get the bubbles into the collar