Preparing to Cycle my new 120 and have questions???

Not all cells will be suspended in the column. Nitrobacters colonize on surfaces and secrete slime to hold themselves in place, free floating nitrifying bacteria is only susceptible to Ultra Violet light. The benefits of running the aquarium lights during a cycle when using live rock and live sand far outweigh the detriment to the small percentage of free floating nitrobacter deaths had you been running UV.

I personally do not feel algae is a bad thing during a cycle, as a matter of fact I bet I could argue the benefits – oh but that might spawn a whole other debate ! lol

This is what I love about these tanks – we all do it differently and we all (most) do well.

John, you started this thread and I think you got your “opinions/answers” – the final thought I will leave you with is simple: “what works for one does not necessarily work for all” I wish you luck on your new adventure….and yes, its an adventure ! enjoy it.

 

not that im right by anymeans but i did not run my lights during my cycle but i did start my fuge just because its a part of my sump, also i did not run my skimmer.

 

I am curious why do you say they need light? when they have huge population's in areas not exposed to light(i.e. filters).






John, don't worry about the details we are talking about it's darn near impossible to screw up a cycle, although it can be prolonged(but not that long).

 

Because both nitrobacters and nitrosomonas bacteria are photosynthetic

 

wow!!!!!! what a great debate. wish i could chime in but i have a ways to go before i throw my 2 cents in.....lol.............

 

Hi John, I think at this point we are just entertaining ourselves

John you will have plenty of opportunities to chime in soon enough when you share your experiences and help other 3reef brethren. Currently, you’re a beginner, at some point in the coming years you will consider yourself a novice – I consider myself a novice, been one for about 15 years (blind guess)….I’ll aspire to expert but I think it will require another 30 years experience and even then I’d call myself a novice.

There truly are a number of ways to go about things in this hobby – just go slow and enjoy it….and always share pictures with us !!

 

Crimson Ghost, again thanks for the advice and you will definetly be seeing some pictures when I begin. I am thinking of putting together a thread starter of my 120 with occasional updates as it progresses. I have been following others like that and it is so cool to see their tank mature. I like the sharing, it really does great for the hobby and the beginners (ME)....