JB's Reef Tank

[jb61264]

Originally Posted by yote

Just remember to either get rid of or rinse that pre-filter sponge pretty regular.Those things tend to get nasty and can cause high nitrates if there not properly maintained.

I'm planning to get rid of it altogether eventually...I think I'm going to order an "AquaSilencer" for this overflow box...overall the system is very quiet except for some gurgling in the overflow box...I need to get rid of the filter sponge anyway so I might as well use something that can make it even quieter

[reeffreak]

Ahhhhhhh...the smell of fresh saltwater.Congratulations and best of luck.

[jb61264]

Wow...what a DAY!...both my live rock and my Nova Extreme Pro light were delivered. I actually took the day off in anticipation of them showing up so I'm glad UPS came through I have place live rock in my tank...and a few pieces of rubble in the refugium...the rock isn't in it's permanent location...just wanted to get things unpacked, rinsed, and in the tank first. REALLY happy with the live rock that came...it's considered "base" rock but it looks like it could be on the top as display pieces...now the visualization of how I want them to fit together



Here's a better shot at the light...you can see the tubes reflecting nicely in the water and if you look closely at the water, you can get an idea of the flow in the tank...nice ripples eh?

[yote]

Congratulations.Looks like you've got some good rock,and it should start your cycle.You'll love that light too.Plus there aint no better excuse to take a day off than getting new toys to fuel the addiction,except maybe going hunting.

[jb61264]

yeah...the "work from home" days may be on the increase for the next few weeks...luckily with my job, I can actually do just about everything I need to from home AND my boss is really really cool about these things (as long as I show her the tank some day in the near future).

I won't be keeping my lights on while the tank is cycling...I've heard this is not recommended...but I will be enjoying how it looks with the lights for a little bit tonight

[jb61264]

Used a new "sponge on a stick" (from LFS) to lift off the light film of "dust" from the aragonite (should I have washed this before dumping it from bag to tank?...

Tank has been gradually getting clearer...I'm in no hurry and will let it take care of itself

I couldn't be happier with my protein skimmer's performance...it has been frothing like the head on a mug of rootbeer since I started it up (well...qualify that one...since I started up AFTER upsizing my air pump and water pump on it)

The light is SO cool (Nova Extreme Pro)...very bright and mounts very cleaning to the top of the tank...two fans are pretty quiet and definately keeps the bulbs cool.

Want to find out if I should go ahead and add Chaeto now or wait until after my cycle is complete.

Anybody have guesses for how long it will take my tank to cycle?...40 gallons (55 total gallons with sump/refugium)...added 45 lbs of live rock today...when should I start measuring?

[Bifferwine]

A cycle usually takes one to two weeks to complete. Sometimes more, sometimes less. There's no way to say for sure.

Whether you should have washed the sand depends on what kind of sand you bought. Live sand, no. Plain old dead sand, if you want to. I don't think it makes that much of a difference. Your tank will clear up in a couple days anyways, so I wouldn't worry about it.

I would add the chaeto after your cycle is done.

[reeffreak]

Congratulations....I miss my old Nova's.I would add chaeto after the cycle too.

[fatman]

Tampa Bay Live Rock site. They sell the best of live rock, loaded with hitchikers, and accordingly they give the best cycling advice to keep the bacteria and hitchikers alive. Check out their advice. Live Rock - Tampa Bay Saltwater Aquacultured Live Rock - The Package Setup

[yote]

Took my 55 ,6 full weeks to cycle.But I've also seen em not cycle at all.
I'll guess 4 weeks just to be on the safe side.