Many new reef aquarium keepers are usually familiar with aquariums and may have kept freshwater tanks in the past. Mini reef systems like freshwater tanks need to cycle in order to maintain fish. But the cycles and what happens are totally different, this article will help explain what to expect cycling reef aquariums.
Ammonia And Nitrite Spike
Like freshwater tanks the first thing that will happen in your tank is there will be a ammonia spike. This ammonia is the by product if decaying fish waste or food. Within the tank bacteria will grow that will feed on this ammonia and convert it to nitrite. The nitrite will then be converted to harmless free nitrogen.
Both ammonia and nitrite can kill fish and coral so it is wise to not have any tank inhabitants in your system while this is going on. However many reef keepers often use damsel fish to cycle their tanks. While this does work it will be hard to get these fish out if you do not want them in your tank after the cycle, plus its just plain inhumane.
Instead a pinch of fish food can help speed up the process, or if you can get a scoop of sand from a seasoned reef tank or a piece of live rock. Both of these will already have the nitrifying bacteria on them and will jump start the process.
Algae Blooms When Cycling Reef Aquarium
No one really mentions this much but you will have to expect some algae blooms when cycling reef aquariums. This is because as the system stabilizes many chemical and physical shifts are occurring. This will normally result in brown slime algae on the sand bed and rocks of your tank. The best thing to do is remove it by hand or let it be. Once the tank reaches equilibrium the algae will vanish faster then it appeared, that is of course assuming your tank is set up properly.
The cycle of a mini reef systems can take a week two for the ammonia and nitrite parts but can often take six months for a new tank to reach equilibrium. The key during this time is to add livestock slowly and maintain good tank maintenance and you will have a gorgeous reef tank you can be proud of.
Do you want a Stunning Reef Aquarium that is thriving and growing? Then check out our reef guide that will help you regardless of your experience in the hobby. You can learn more about improving your reef aquarium at http://www.dseventures.com
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