Reef tank rook

[saltwaterbeginner]

Hello All,

Decided start a reef nano tank. Just started up a 29 gallon biocube with RODI water,25 lbs of live sand, and about 30 lbs of live rock. Took out the bioballs and upgraded the stock lighting to LEDs. Have a media basket with acitvate carbon in it for the moment. Currently in week 2 of cycling process.

Just had few questions. 1. Are water changes necessary during the cycling process? 2. Do you dose 2 part calcium/alk during cycling process, or is that done after the cycling process? I have a Tunze nano skimmer and was wondering whether it should or should you not be run during cycling? 4. Should I take out the activated carbon or leave it in?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks you in advance for reading

 

[CONSTANTNE]

It looks like your off to a good start. Seems like you did some research and arent rushing things. Let me see if I can answer some questions.

1. I want to say no and perhaps do a water change when your at the end of the cycle but its been a while for me lol
2. No. Dosing isnt even necessary depending on the types of coral you want to keep. When I had a 12g aquapod I just changed the water out weekly.
3. It wouldnt hurt to start it up and get it adjusted/broken in.
4. You can cycle with carbon in it.

 

[basiab]

1. Are water changes necessary during the cycling process? It will help keep more things alive if you do. But if you are using cured rock it won't matter.

2. Do you dose 2 part calcium/alk during cycling process, or is that done after the cycling process? Water changes should take care of your nutrients in that size tank.

I have a Tunze nano skimmer and was wondering whether it should or should you not be run during cycling? if rock is uncured it won't do much but if cured then you should get it started.
4. Should I take out the activated carbon or leave it in? if rock is uncured it is probably a waste but if cured then leave it.

 

[Jzhou]

It looks like your off to a good start. Seems like you did some research and arent rushing things. Let me see if I can answer some questions.

1. I want to say no and perhaps do a water change when your at the end of the cycle but its been a while for me lol
2. No. Dosing isnt even necessary depending on the types of coral you want to keep. When I had a 12g aquapod I just changed the water out weekly.
3. It wouldnt hurt to start it up and get it adjusted/broken in.
4. You can cycle with carbon in it.

+1, and you only need to dose when you are about to add corals that would deplete the elements. Depending on the salt you use, weekly water changed can take the place of dosing.

 

[jassica]

+1 weekly water changed can take the place of dosing. I got it. Thank you

 

[saltwaterbeginner]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice. Tank cycle can't come fast enough. Hopefully being patient will make it worth it.