after 1 month... Questions on progress

[dibeezy]

Tanks been up for a month now with 15 lbs of tonga, and 130 lbs of marco rock in the display. The tank I'm referring to is my 150 gallon advanced aqua tanks custom ( no starfire ) aquarium. I say custom because i got it with black silicone and diamond edges, with a half-trap center overflow and blacked out tint on the back.



Here's my questions. 1. I'm cycling the tank with no lights (except on fuge) $ being the reason, just dumped 2500 + on this thing so far. Is this ok? Or do i need lights for the whole cycle process?



2. I also have around 10 lbs of rubble marco rock and 15 lbs of live base rocks in the connected fuge section of the sump. Basically to add surface area for bacteria to grow and colonize on. Well i have a basic clamp on light from wally world with a10 watt 6500k bulb on it and the rocks are starting to turn brown with some kind of algae is this normal? Marco rock also. I've had a few reefs but they were established with fully established live rock and this is a first using dead rock, any input will be appreciated

[duncantse]

1. Some people say yes, some people say no. IMO, I think you should leave the lights on because their a critters in your LR and some of them might need light.

2. You are probably experienceing a diatom bloom. That is normal, it will disappear later on. What is your ammonia,nitrite, and nitrate?

[dibeezy]

Everything is 0 now after what seemed to be a minor cycle

[briankmarsh1980]

If I were you I would start your lights on a short cycle and increase the time they are on over the next month

[duncantse]

Looks like your cycle is finished. You can add a couple of snails to help clean up the diatoms.

[dibeezy]

You guys think i can add a couple fish yet?

[duncantse]

I would add your CUC first, wait one week, add 1-2 fish.

[dibeezy]

Thanks. I figured that a few inverts would die off because of a lack of adequate food. I do have a few small stars that popped up out of the tonga. How many, and what kind of inverts should I start with?

[duncantse]

I would start with a couple of snails and see how they do in the week, if they survive, then you can add your first fish.

[dibeezy]

Thanks

[vitodog]

Hello dibeezy, when your ready and its convenient, I sure would like to see a picture of your custom tank. Sounds like a great tank.