Cycling New 7 Gallon tank

[hoyteoh]

I am cycling new 7 gallon tank for about a week now and have questions. I used crushed coral as my sand based. I have underwater filter. I have about 14 pound of lr. one of the lr has plants attached it. When I observed this lr, I can see some plants are dying and the debries are flowing through out the tank. Do I need to remove this lr? It is affecting other lr? how do I know if the lr is in trouble? my ph is around 8. my amonia and nitrite are low. any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Len]

I'd remove all decaying matter as they release a lot of nutrients back into the tank. Dead algae also consumes a lot of oxygen. LR is very resiliant so I wouldn't worry about it. After the cycle is done, you'll see new life sprouting up left and right BTW, I'd also recommend you remove the undergrave filter. UGF aren't good for reefs as they trap a lot of detritus below them over time. This because a nutrient sink that will keep your reef nutrient rich (not what you want).

Your cycle probably hasn't yet begun. You'll have to wait about 4-6 weeks on average. Ammonia and Nitrite at zero after a week usually means bacteria hasn't yet started their nitrification process.

 

[hoyteoh]

Thank len. I have couples more question for u and hope you don't mind answering.
1. When will I know the tank is fully cycled?
2. any sign I need to pay attention?
3. Is it a good idea to add scavenger like snails or craps to clean the debris?
4. How much light does it need now? I turn light on for about 4 hr.