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#1
03-18-2008, 04:52 AM
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New to reef...need some advice
Howdy!
We just set up a 55 gal tank. Bought some LR from a local reefer (thanks Trix  ) and aquired a protein skimmer. (we will be adding a sump soon)I know from years of FW discus keeping that once some "mature" filter media is in the system, that there is minimal/no cycling time needed. Since all the SW and reef stuff is foreign to us, I could use some friendly advice. How can I test if the LR is ready to accept a bio-load? Is it sufficient to have 2 hagen 802 powerheads (400 gph each) for water movement? Do I need more water movement? Any and all advice is welcome  
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#2
03-18-2008, 05:04 AM
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Monitor your NH3/NO2/NO3 cycle. Just with the LR (no fish needed) watch for the spike and drops to 0.0, after then can slowly start adding. If too much too soon can cause anyother cycle.
Found when I setup my 75g took about 3 weeks. Pumps, depends what type of tank you're going for, could be lots already. Also to consider the added flow once you add your sump.
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#3
03-18-2008, 05:20 AM
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Take it slow reefs take at least a year to become mature. About 3 months to fully cycle you can try sooner but may run into problems.
Depending on what you want to put in your tank will determine your flow. SPS need lots but seahorses want very little. If you want to run a reef you will want to get a sump just makes it easier to filter and add things. When you get coraline spots on your overflow the size of dimes you can add corals. This is just my 2 cents though some might not agree. 
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150 Gal system 3'x3' 400W M/H, Bekett skimmer, Dart return,1/4 HP Chiller 180 Gal Drop tank, LED lights, Bubble master 250 skimmer,Hammerhead on a closed loop, Speed wave return.
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#4
03-18-2008, 05:39 AM
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Been cycling my tank since 22 feb. 45g, 40Lb LR. 40Lb live Sand. Put 24 hermits in @ 2 weeks. Levels are almost down to 0. I have learned/read that alot depends on the amount of die off on your rock. If the rock was out of water along time, there will be more die off, this will take longer for tank to cycle. I will be adding fish end of next week. need to resist urge to add alot, JL is 5 hrs away. Hopefully Royal Gramma, bangaii Cardinal, a goby and longnose butterflyfish. Pair of Clowns later
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Dan Pesonen Umm, a tank or 5
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#5
03-18-2008, 02:00 PM
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Thanks for the advice everyone
FYI...the LR was out of water for only 2 hours. Would it still take a few weeks for it to be ready?
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#6
03-18-2008, 02:09 PM
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Its not so much a set time in weeks, as its more when your levels drop to 0. Since your live rock is older and it wasn't out of the water that long, it could be a very quick cycle, a few weeks, or it could be longer.
Track your parameters for a week and watch the trend. Post them here if you want. You can also start a tank journal for more feedback.
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