Lighting and cycling a large reef tank

The Saltman · 11/21/2007, 03:26 PM

Hi guys,

I plan on setting up a very large reef probably 200+gallons. I want to let this tank cycle for about a year before adding any corals. I do not see a need to run the halides or much light at all in the mean time. Is this ok or am I asking for trouble with algae blooms after a year of not having much lighting?

Thanks

Roy G. Biv · 11/21/2007, 03:51 PM

I dont think you will be able to look at an empty tank for a year.

The Saltman · 11/21/2007, 07:28 PM

It won't be totally empty, but as far as coral there won't be any for awhile.

The Saltman · 11/21/2007, 07:28 PM

what do you guys think?

useskaforevil · 11/21/2007, 07:50 PM

i think its really unnecessarily long. why a year?

The Saltman · 11/21/2007, 07:52 PM

I have read and from tank experience, feel this will be very beneficial in an sps dominated aquarium when dealing with algae issues.

pdfb55 · 11/21/2007, 08:36 PM

i think a few months or until the tank is very stable should be plenty of time before adding sps

Craig Lambert · 11/21/2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Saltman
I have read and from tank experience, feel this will be very beneficial in an sps dominated aquarium when dealing with algae issues.

There isn't any benefit to letting the tank run empty for a year. From the time the cycle ends (2 weeks to 3 months depending on the rock you're using), there won't be any proliferation of beneficial bacteria. Their numbers grow as the bioload increases.

Waiting a year won't do much to prevent algae either. Algae is caused by a lack of nutrient export, or too much nutrient import.(or both). Waiting a year won't change that. The important things for preventing algae is to maintain excellent water quality, strong flow, and and a high quality skimmer as well as a fuge. Keep a reasonable livestock limit, and don't overfeed. It is also important to space out your livestock additions.

11/21/2007, 03:26 PM	#1
The Saltman Moved On Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Northwest Ohio Posts: 1,642	Lighting and cycling a large reef tank Hi guys, I plan on setting up a very large reef probably 200+gallons. I want to let this tank cycle for about a year before adding any corals. I do not see a need to run the halides or much light at all in the mean time. Is this ok or am I asking for trouble with algae blooms after a year of not having much lighting? Thanks

11/21/2007, 07:50 PM	#5
useskaforevil Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: kent, ohio Posts: 1,012	i think its really unnecessarily long. why a year? __________________ "and the delicate mechanism stripped its gears" Current Tank Info: 80gallon bowfront

11/21/2007, 08:36 PM	#7
pdfb55 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 357	i think a few months or until the tank is very stable should be plenty of time before adding sps __________________ -Kyle Current Tank Info: Oceanic 120 Tech, 48 inch maristar fixture, MRC Skimmer, Geo 618 Reactor, 2x Vortech MP40w, APEX controller

11/21/2007, 03:51 PM	#2
Roy G. Biv Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 3,646	I dont think you will be able to look at an empty tank for a year.

11/21/2007, 07:28 PM	#3
The Saltman Moved On Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Northwest Ohio Posts: 1,642	It won't be totally empty, but as far as coral there won't be any for awhile.

11/21/2007, 07:52 PM	#6
The Saltman Moved On Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Northwest Ohio Posts: 1,642	I have read and from tank experience, feel this will be very beneficial in an sps dominated aquarium when dealing with algae issues.