Just starting out.

[RyanG]

Light isnt needed just keep you tank at temp and that should be suffice. I know you werent going to lop the fishes head off and toss them in the tank. Its just not an up-to-date philosophy on cycling a tank. I wouldnt worry about growing algae for your hermit either, part of a new system is the growth of algaes(diatoms, then green slime, then hair and cyanobacteria{red slime}) You will get a belly full of them without encouraging it to grow.

[RyanG]

Ok my knowledge has run dry the Council of Knowledge will be of more help
Bifferwine, Doc, Reeffreak, Yote, Jnhrb, Lionfish, Fatman
If I have forgotten anyone I appologize.

[reeffreak]

Ryan and Biffmeister has you well covered.

Welcome to the site!

[Keaton]

Welcome Mp! These guys got everything covered already I'm sure so...Good Luck with your tank! Post some pics when you get things goin.

[Piggy]

Welcome to the reef. Looks like everyone has you covered. When you get a chance post a pic. We love pics.

[mplocar]

Thanks for the warm welcome I really appreciate it.

It is started up and running I think.
I have been keeping a log (Navy thing I guess) anyway the readings today were
ph 7.8
Nitrite .5 ppm ish
Ammonia 2 ppm or so maybe a little higher
Nitrate 0.0 ppm
I have added Biozyne over the last few days and I dosed it once today with prime. The Biowheel has been running the entire time along with the power jets when the Biozyne goes in I can see decent water flow, so that seems to be working pretty well. Should I be running the Protein skimmer during the cycling process. I am trying to speed up the cycling so I can add a little life to the tank before I go out to sea in about two weeks so my wife does not have to look at an empty tank for two months. Any suggestions?ction

I posted a pic in the tanks section

Thanks in advance.
Michael

[yote]

I hate to say it.But theres not much you can do speed up the cycle.Its just one of those things that takes it time happening.
As for running the skimmer.Hook that puppy up.It needs to break in anyhow.

[Marke86]

Welcome to the reef!

[RAYRAY]

Welcome...
Like Yote Said "hook That Skimmer Up"
I Would Try To Raise Your Ph Up To 8.2 - 8.4 And Looks Like Your Cycle Has Started So Keep Testing Until The Ammonia And Nitrite Disappear. Good Luck !!!

[reeffreak]

There's really nothing to do but check the readings for the cycle to complete.Start the skimmer right away,it could take a week or more to break-in and collect waste.During the cycling process its perfectly normal for pH to drop.