BioCube 32G NEW SETUP Cycling Help !!

[Pisces28]

Hello all,

I just set up my 32G BioCube and have a few questions.
Everything in the tank is stock, and this is what I have added:


- 30lbs live sand
- 30 lbs live rock
- saltwater I made from Instant Ocean (1/2 cup salt : 1 Gallon RO/DI water)
- Water Heater (chamber 1)
- Bag of Carbon (in chamber 2)
- Bag of Chemi-Pure Elite (in chamber 2)
- Live Rock Rubble (in chamber 2)

Here is what I need help with with the cycle process:
1. Do I need to run lightning during the cycling process? If so, which ones and how long?
2. Do I need filter media during the cycling process? Since I already have it in, is it okay to just leave it? Should I add/remove anything from the media?
3. Should I ghost feed the tank? If so, what is the best method?

More advanced questions for the future:
1. When could I put in my invertebrates?
2. When should I test the water for the first time?
3. When should I do my first water change, and how much?




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[skiingfast]

1. No that will just grow algae.
2. No it will just be wasted and compete with the bacteria you want.
3. Yes. You could put in a bay shrimp, or feed a small pinch regularily as if feeding 1 fish.

1A. When the tank is fully growing algae.
2B. If you want to chart it start testing ammonia a day after feeding, then a day later start with nitrate.... or just wait a few week, and hopefully ammonia and nitrate is at 0 but if not nitrate should be going down and nitrite too.
3A. There are various schools of though especially on this size tank and less. You can wait until a major cleaning, or in an emergency.

[Smoke Inator]

agreed....i would chart daily amonia so you can track the cycle...wait on the water change until the cycle is finished...also, take your time. the first cycle is just to get it going...after that, you may have mini cycles as you stress the bio load capability of the bacteria, depending on what you put in and when...small changes over long periods of time will win the marathon

[Pisces28]

Originally Posted by skiingfast

1. No that will just grow algae.
2. No it will just be wasted and compete with the bacteria you want.
3. Yes. You could put in a bay shrimp, or feed a small pinch regularily as if feeding 1 fish.

1A. When the tank is fully growing algae.
2B. If you want to chart it start testing ammonia a day after feeding, then a day later start with nitrate.... or just wait a few week, and hopefully ammonia and nitrate is at 0 but if not nitrate should be going down and nitrite too.
3A. There are various schools of though especially on this size tank and less. You can wait until a major cleaning, or in an emergency.

Thanks! Im going to remove my filter media today then. Can you recommend what type of food i should buy for ghost feeding? (And then for feeding the fish in the future) ive used frozen food in the past, but maybe i should use flakes or pellets?


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[Pisces28]

Originally Posted by Smoke Inator

agreed....i would chart daily amonia so you can track the cycle...wait on the water change until the cycle is finished...also, take your time. the first cycle is just to get it going...after that, you may have mini cycles as you stress the bio load capability of the bacteria, depending on what you put in and when...small changes over long periods of time will win the marathon

Just ordered my ammonia test kit and will test daily to track. Thanks!


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[The Modest Reef]

The advice above was pretty spot on. I also have a biocube 32, so reach out if you have any questions specific to that set-up. Good luck