Cycling question...

Reefer2727 · 09/14/2009, 12:43 PM

This is the first tank that I have cycled using RODI water. (Its about time).

I am wondering if I need to add anything as far as supplements go. I had always used and tap water conditioner which I will assume is not necessary anymore.

What about adding Prime? Should this be done during cycling? Also, is there anything other chemicals I should be adding at this point?

The 75 gallon tank will have about 80 Lbs of live rock. Will this be enough to help with the cycle?

Thanks

Reefy.Dave · 09/14/2009, 12:44 PM

the lr itself will be plenty. you dont need to add anything else. let nature take its course.

Sisterlimonpot · 09/14/2009, 12:47 PM

+1 If the LR is truly live than you may not even see a cycle.

Reefer2727 · 09/14/2009, 01:11 PM

The live rock was in a previous set up. It has been in garbage cans with powerheads and heat for about 4 months. Im not sure how 'live' the rock is at this point. Obviously, I have lost the coraline that was on it but it doesn't seem too bad. I will have a better idea once I get it in the tank and can start testing.

Should I ever use Prime now that I am on RODI water?

sedor · 09/14/2009, 01:18 PM

No, don't get sucked into the whole additive game. As long as your using pure RODI water you don't need to add anything else but salt of course. If your rock was sitting in a bucket with flow you probably won't see much of a cycle, but you could always throw a raw shrimp or two in there just in case. I barely ever say this, but in your situation since you don't have to wait on the rock to die off and cycle the tank, I would almost suggest getting a couple chromis or a clown.

Reefer2727 · 09/14/2009, 01:30 PM

I am in the process of making up the RODI as we speak. My system is around 100 gallons total. I am about half way.

I wasn't sure if I would see a cycle or not. Im also not sure about the raw shrimp thing. How long do you leave it in the tank?

I am going to take it slow. The problem is that there are not any good Reef shops around and any livestock I am going to get will have to be ordered. I am definitely looking and picking up a pair of Black Clowns. But I don't want to place an order to get 'cycle' fish that I may not want down the road.

I want to know my tank is primo and ready by the time I place an order. Perhaps the shrimp thing is for me.

So, once I am up and running for a few days, I will test and see where I am at. If I don't see any nitrates or ammonia should I consider the raw shrimp method?

Thanks

09/14/2009, 12:43 PM	#1
Reefer2727 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 995	Cycling question... This is the first tank that I have cycled using RODI water. (Its about time). I am wondering if I need to add anything as far as supplements go. I had always used and tap water conditioner which I will assume is not necessary anymore. What about adding Prime? Should this be done during cycling? Also, is there anything other chemicals I should be adding at this point? The 75 gallon tank will have about 80 Lbs of live rock. Will this be enough to help with the cycle? Thanks

09/14/2009, 12:47 PM	#3
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	+1 If the LR is truly live than you may not even see a cycle. __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

09/14/2009, 01:18 PM	#5
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	No, don't get sucked into the whole additive game. As long as your using pure RODI water you don't need to add anything else but salt of course. If your rock was sitting in a bucket with flow you probably won't see much of a cycle, but you could always throw a raw shrimp or two in there just in case. I barely ever say this, but in your situation since you don't have to wait on the rock to die off and cycle the tank, I would almost suggest getting a couple chromis or a clown. __________________ Ryan

09/14/2009, 12:44 PM	#2
Reefy.Dave Moved On Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Posts: 55	the lr itself will be plenty. you dont need to add anything else. let nature take its course.

09/14/2009, 01:11 PM	#4
Reefer2727 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 995	The live rock was in a previous set up. It has been in garbage cans with powerheads and heat for about 4 months. Im not sure how 'live' the rock is at this point. Obviously, I have lost the coraline that was on it but it doesn't seem too bad. I will have a better idea once I get it in the tank and can start testing. Should I ever use Prime now that I am on RODI water?

09/14/2009, 01:30 PM	#6
Reefer2727 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 995	I am in the process of making up the RODI as we speak. My system is around 100 gallons total. I am about half way. I wasn't sure if I would see a cycle or not. Im also not sure about the raw shrimp thing. How long do you leave it in the tank? I am going to take it slow. The problem is that there are not any good Reef shops around and any livestock I am going to get will have to be ordered. I am definitely looking and picking up a pair of Black Clowns. But I don't want to place an order to get 'cycle' fish that I may not want down the road. I want to know my tank is primo and ready by the time I place an order. Perhaps the shrimp thing is for me. So, once I am up and running for a few days, I will test and see where I am at. If I don't see any nitrates or ammonia should I consider the raw shrimp method? Thanks