Questions for new nano tank

[Girlingtonblue]

Hi, just starting out with help of local fish store. I've also read some things and information is contradicted.

I have 15 gal cubey by jbj. This unit has no fan
I've started with live rock and live sand and added bacteria packet. I have blocked light through glass and no lights on and letting it cycle. It has not bloomed yet but water is crystal clear. I'm waiting for testing supplies to check parameters. Temp steady at 80.6 without lights on.


Question is if this is okay way to cycle without the lights? I read this in several sources.

Also, I had thought of adding air stone for increase oxygenation, but I'm thinking perhaps not something to do because of ammonia levels. What are thoughts on this? Thanks!!

[Danny_15]

You should lower the temp IMO

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[ReefWreak]

Question is if this is okay way to cycle without the lights? I read this in several sources.

Yes, it's okay (and I prefer it). Once the cycle is complete (i.e. you read 0 ammonia and 0 nitrites, but do see some nitrates), just do water changes to get nitrates down, and then you're ready to start SLOWLY adding critters. Some people consider it part of the cycle to turn the lights on at the end of the cycle to let algae grow, then let your clean up crew clean that up. It's up to you how you want to do it.

Also, I had thought of adding air stone for increase oxygenation, but I'm thinking perhaps not something to do because of ammonia levels. What are thoughts on this? Thanks!!

If you have a pump on, you'll get plenty of aeration into the water, no need for an airstone. The only time you'd ever want or need an airstone is if you were having severe pH problems in the tank, but it's unlikely. In 10+ years in the hobby, I've never used an airstone.

There is also plenty of oxygen for the nitrification process (turning ammonia into nitrite, and then nitrate) through just running your standard circulation pump.

All breathing in a reef aquarium is through water motion. Simplified, but I think an accurate simplification. As long as your pumps are moving, you'll never need additional aeration. Down the line, when you have a big fancy system (even if a small fancy system) you'll have a skimmer which will increase aeration significantly as a side-effect. But you're a long way from there.

Sounds like you're on the right path. The best recommendation I can provide is to keep your tank as simple as you can, as maintenance free and hands-off as you can, and MOST IMPORTANTLY TAKE YOUR TIME. Bad things happen quickly, good things happen slowly. The worst thing you can do is overreact.

Welcome, and best of luck :celeb2:

[Girlingtonblue]

I do have a chiller on order. I thought the same thing. This will only get worse with the lights on

[MreasyC]

Best practice temps in the hobby are 77/78 F. You might want to consider adding a powerhead too. Forgive me of that tank comes with one. Remember you want your flow per hour to be around 10x you water volume. This can change depending on what livestock you plan to keep.


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