Cycling Question

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by Zgetman, Jul 3, 2013.

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  1. Zgetman

    Zgetman Ritteri Anemone

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    Dumas, TX, USA
    Can I start my cycle with fresh water pellet food or flakes or both in my 55g? If so how should I do it?
     
    Zgetman, Jul 3, 2013
    Zgetman, Jul 3, 2013
    #1

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  2. skyvern2130

    skyvern2130 Stylophora

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    yes you can, all the food is doing is decomposing to help build the bacteria filter in the tank, its all part of the nitrogen cycle.
     
    skyvern2130, Jul 3, 2013
    skyvern2130, Jul 3, 2013
    #2
  3. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    +1

    Anything organic will decompose and start your cycle.
     
    Mr. Bill, Jul 3, 2013
    Mr. Bill, Jul 3, 2013
    #3
  4. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    yay for you! You've started your cycle! So glad to hear. What did you figure out you're going to have in your tank?
     
    oldfishkeeper, Jul 3, 2013
    oldfishkeeper, Jul 3, 2013
    #4
  5. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

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    +2 No issues there. As far as how, just throw in a pinch every other day. No real science to it. You just need a constant ammonia source.
     
    Marshall O, Jul 3, 2013
    Marshall O, Jul 3, 2013
    #5
  6. Zgetman

    Zgetman Ritteri Anemone

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    Not started yet.. I just getting ready.. I mixed 10g of saltwater but I don't know my salinity yet, I could not get a hydrometer or refractometer today. I mixed it according to the directions and it say it should be 1.021 - 1.023. That will be lower than what I actually want it to be so I will be waiting to get a hydrometer before I put it in the tanks...

    Maybe my walmart carries one, but I doubt it.
     
    Zgetman, Jul 3, 2013
    Zgetman, Jul 3, 2013
    #6

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  7. Zgetman

    Zgetman Ritteri Anemone

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    Woohoo my friend came through.... He is letting me borrow his hydrometer for a few days. I have my first 8 - 10 gallons in my tank now...
     
    Zgetman, Jul 3, 2013
    Zgetman, Jul 3, 2013
    #7
  8. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    woo hoo!! you're really officially a SW tank owner when you have the infamous hydrometer!
     
    oldfishkeeper, Jul 4, 2013
    oldfishkeeper, Jul 4, 2013
    #8
  9. Zgetman

    Zgetman Ritteri Anemone

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    yippee!!! lol I am so excited and now I don't think I have enough salt for my 10g tank also.. :( oh well I will just have to get some more next week.
     
    Zgetman, Jul 4, 2013
    Zgetman, Jul 4, 2013
    #9