Cycling Methods

In the beginning there is nothing in your aquarium to begin the nitrogen cycle.  There is no organic material to get the party started.  It is important to get the cycle started before adding live fish or coral.

- The cocktail Shrimp method:  Some people will choose to drop a cocktail shrimp in their tank for a week and let it decompose

- The live rock method - You can cycle with only live rock.  It contains plant material as well as other organisms that will be producing waste. Some die off will also take place from moving the rock.  This is the method I chose since it's simple and doesn't add anything to your tank that won't be there later.

- The ammonia method:  This one is simple, you add ammonia to the tank to simulate fish waste and it breaks down into nitrate to get it going

- The kamikaze fish method: In this method of cycling.  People will add fish to the tank without cycling it first.  This is typically done with Damsels or clown fish since they are known to be more hearty than some other fish.  These fish do what fish are supposed to do and swim and poop.  This is the initial waste product that can feed the organisms in the water that consume it, thus beginning the cycle.





Lights on or off during cycle?:  There is a debate among reef keepers if the tank lights should be on or off during the initial cycle.  My personal preference is to keep them on whatever schedule that you will have them on after the tank cycles.

Skimmer on or off during cycle?  The tank says "Hey I'm trying to cycle here." and you are skimming out the waste that I need to begin.  I tend to say split the difference. 12 on, 12 off

How long should I cycle my new reef tank?  It is generally recommended that you cycle it for 4-6 weeks before adding any fish or coral.  It is also important to remember that although your initial nitrogen cycle may be complete,  your tank is always cycling.  This process is continual.   There are also other cycles that must now take place like the phosphate cycle.  More on that to come on a much later post.

Testing during cycling -  How often should I test, What should I test for?  Since you are focused on the nitrogen cycle you should be testing for nitrites and nitrates.  They will spike temporarily and will go back down once the cycle is complete.  I recommend testing every couple days to keep a handle on what is going on.  You will also want to monitor your salinity and temperature.  Especially if you're a new aquarist, it's good practice for later.