Turn on the cycle
The new Red Sea Reefer has turned on and the cycle has started!
Using dry rock and live sand, adding Bacteria (MicroBacter7).
The Bacteria was added in the sump area for the first day, and adding daily into the main tank from the third day of cycle.
What’s important during the cycle week 1
The tank is new at this stage, it just got everything in and set. Tank needs some time to adjust salinity and temperature.
After couple days, salt and water are mixed well in the tank and you can start adjusting the salinity. Light water change after the third day might help if the salinity is too strong.
Tank is also raising the temperature during the first week. Heater just got turned on and it takes time to warm the water in the whole tank. The length of the time is depends on the size of the tank, it takes longer for the larger aquarium.
It is important to be patient during the cycle, taking time worth for the future succeed your hobby.
What you need to do during the cycle week 1
It is important to be patient during the cycle, however there are things you can do.
The first thing is testing the water.
Monitoring the water parameter is very important during the cycle, and it will help you to understand where the stage is.
I have been checking Ammonia, Alkalinity, pH, Nitrite, Calcium, Salinity, Temperature, and Nitrate.
Testing the water is also fun. It is better to prepare proper test kit for the cycle.
Especially the Ammonia, it is very toxic for the fish and corals in the fish tank. Ammonia could kill the fish and corals.
I tested Ammonia daily, you can add first fish when the Ammonia is Zero for 5-7 days.
Why Bacteria?
Why do we need Bacteria in the saltwater aquarium?
Once we have fish and corals in the water, Ammonia will come into the water from their waste or left over food. The tank must have enough bacteria to break down the Ammonia.
We take time for the cycle to grow the bacteria, and add fish or coral into the new tank slowly.
My cycle week1
My cycle week1 was testing the water and learning about new tank.
My previews tank was Fluval Evo 13.5, Reefer 170 is a lot different especially under the main tank! I’ve learned how to take care of each equipment and how to solve the issue there.
For more detail about Reefer 170 cycle week 1, please watch this video!
Reference;
Red Sea Reefer 170 Installation and Set up
Red Sea Reefer 170 Cycle week 1
Aquarium Days 