The cycle. Help me!

[Momo3419]

I'm setting up a 180 with 150lbs of live rock and I don't know much on how to cycle and what fish to start with.

[Sk8r]

YOu need at least 30 more pounds of rock---base rock will do. You need 260 lbs of sand: dry will do, but you will need a back yard hose and probably a whole day to do a thorough job: this will save you grief later. Use Prime to remove the chlorine at the last.

Put some pads of lighting grid (white) down to protect your bottom glass.
INstall your base rock.
Install your wet washed sand.

Now mix your salt water for this AND your sump, set up your equipment, and have it warming.

Add salt water, careful not to kick up the sand: a mixing bowl set on the sand will prevent it splashing; and once the water is at perfect salinity and warmth --1.025 salinity and 79 degrees---start adding your live rock.

Let it run about 4-8 weeks testing daily (after the second week) for an ammonia spike. Once that happens, let it run.

NO FISH!!!!!
Once the tank has cycled, add snails and hermits and put one fish in quarantine for 4 weeks.
By then the tank will be ready.

[julie180]

I beg to differ on amount of sand needed. I have a 180 with about 100# of sand and that is enough for me. Sand depth is a personal preference.

Please take the time to read the stickies and search for cycling before you start. Take the time to learn now and avoid some common mistakes.

Best of luck

[Momo3419]

I beg to differ on amount of sand needed. I have a 180 with about 100# of sand and that is enough for me. Sand depth is a personal preference.

Please take the time to read the stickies and search for cycling before you start. Take the time to learn now and avoid some common mistakes.

Best of luck

Yeah I was planing on it thanks for the help

[Jandawil]

You've already invested a ton in the tank, rock, pumps...etc. You may want to also invest in a RO/DI filter for your water.