Ohio Reef
Reef Discussion => Water Chemistry => Topic started by: elderpnthrs38 on March 23, 2011, 22:39:45
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I am rather new to saltwater aquariums but I have done a good amount of research. I have everything, or am
in the process of getting everything, needed to set up a FOWLR tank. I am just looking for Live Rock at the moment,
then I will be good to go. My question is, when does the cycle start and how does that whole process work? Also, what
do I test for and what kind of kit would you suggest?
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Proper response to your post would be a rather long article so I would suggest to keeping researching and reading. I will just address your questions very specifically.
Cycling your tank is the process of establishing a bacteria bed that matches that of the waste in your aquarium. Bacteria grows on any surface so as soon as you add water to the tank, a surface for it to grow on and significant amount of waste the bacteria will begin to grow.
How does it work? Click here (http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GPEA_en___US345&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=what+is+a+fish+tank+cycle#sclient=psy&hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1C1GPEA_en___US345&q=saltwater+fish+tank+nitrogen+cycle&aq=f&aqi=g-v1&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=c770469246f6e773)
Test kits to monitor the cycle are
Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate
Test kits needed after the cycle are
Alkalinity
Their are a lot of test kits out there but Salifert brand is the majority vote by educated hobbyists