Great video Gil, I wonder if I need that bacteria in my tank to lower my nitrates , I keep fighting with them water change after water change after water change and nothing never stay on 60 or less I put a poly filter to reduce nitrates and two pure marine blocks and nothing, I put some nitrate absorber from Dr G’s that is supposed to be doing something within hours so I’ll test tomorrow and see the progress. Tank is awesome and the sump is to die for. Great work of art, we all been patiently waiting for this moment am sure you too
The bacteria won't affect the nitrates. It's like you have something dead in your tank or a pool of detritius under a rock. Something is causing your nitrates to be as high as they are. You're using RODI water, right? Have you tested your newly mixed saltwater before it goes into your tank?
ReeferGil i had a pool of detritus under the rocks wish I have been removing little by little, nothing dead have been found anywhere and yes I check my RODI water all the time and test the sea water when I get it, am here in Miami so I get natural sea water wish I will replace in near future for home made water when I fishing the remodeling and create a mixing station . I did add a gobi to clean the sand bed and may be this may cause to remove some pockets of bacteria under the sand that cause this nitrate bloom. Am afraid of a algae bloom but so far no signs of them. Wish me luck
I have been told by dr Tim company that if your ph gets to low u can do a small water change mid cycle , just to bring it back up again , which I did and now is back on track . Hope this is helpful
The main purpose of the cycle is to establish beneficial bacteria. I wouldn't suggest doing a water change as pH is really a meaningless number during the cycle.
Lol I was talking with my bubby last Tuesday about how I cycled my tank and he said why did you do that when you could of just peed in your water to kick off the cycle I laughed and asked does that work he reassured me it does and I responded they don't tell you that on the forums. And here you are bringing it up so why do we waste money on fish-less cycles when we all pee daily
I wonder if we can't have BRS test out different pee cycles i.e. does morning pee have a higher concentration then later in the day pee or would cat pee be better then human pee and I wonder what benefits would come from using unicorn pee I can't find any but I'm sure someone has some laying around
Excellent video. I have been looking at using this product myself.. Your system looks well set up in your video is very informative. However I would point that one thing. Anaerobic bacteria will break down nitrates. Although I'm sure we would agree, you're not going to see that immediately after a cycle. I am curious though. I have never seen any detectable nitrates in his system immediately after cycling. In fact it took over a year for my 60 gallon system to show any detectable nitrates. I couldn't even grow Cheato for about two years. This is also common in client tanks.. what would you attribute your post cycle nitrates to?
The tank looks awesome, even without any fish or coral in it. I will definitely try Dr. Tim's the next cycle I do. Do you have any worries of fish/snails going down the pipe that feeds in the fresh water?
No water changes during the cycle. Remember, we WANT the ammonia, nitrites and nitrates to peak, then drop. Doing a water change before the cycle is done will defeat the point of the cycle. Hope this helps.
Thank you for your very-detailed instructional videos. I've watched the whole series, it is so helpful for my near-future first Tank. I intend to buy a 48"L x 18"D x 24"H with Starphire glass. I've read some posts in Reef2reef.com and some complain about the noise at the front of the internal box. I have a question that does your Shadow Overflow making noise at the weir? I'd like to check before i make decision to buy a overflow. Once again, thank you for your videos.
Thanks Long for following on this build, really appreciate that. The Shadow Overflow was initially loud. For the first two weeks, I just dealt with it. Then one day I spent about 15 minutes dialing in the gate valve. Dead silent now. If I could only get my Gyre pumps to get quieter, I'd have a pretty quiet system, lol.
ReeferGil Hi ReeferGil, good to hear the Shadow Overflow works for you. I will pull the trigger for that overflow. In addition, can you make a video about your working Gyre powerheads here (noise level, water circulation...)? I think the video will be very helpful for lots of people including me. And I am still looking ahead for the next EP. of tour Build Series here. Thanks
I added biospiria after the cycle was taking to long. I was told by my lfs I had high ammonia nitrites and nitrates and ti do a water change so I did and i was low ammonia and maintaining a constant high of nitrites and nitrates so thats when I added the biospira. next day reading same . Iknow dr Tim suggests keeping ammonia at 2.0 after nitrates appear until u convert to zero within 24 hours so my dumb ass decide to add ammonia nd i accidentally added to much and now I have crazy high ammonia at 8 ppm! I know I need yet another water change! I guess I should have waited it out! I hope I havnt permanently screwed cycle and have to start over! Its been 3 weeks adn2 days so far and I bet i have at least another week!
Hey Karen, LFS gave you bad advice. Do NOT do water changes, you're prolonging your cycle. At this point, I would suggest you leave the lights off and wait till ammonia and nitrites drop to zero. Do not rush through the cycle process or you'll likely regret it later.
As always tons of great information Gil and I love Dr.Tims since I have always used it in my builds. I am really happy you have water in your tank and really look forward to fish, clean up crew and corals. All the best of luck.
Hey Gil looks great! Just one thing that you mentioned...there absolutely IS bacteria that will convert nitrate to nitrogen gas. It survives in low oxygen environments such as deep within live rock or under a deeper sand bed. I actually recommend not doing a water change until the nitrates drop off a bit, that way you can help establish the denitrifying bacteria and it will help keep nitrates down in the longer term 👍🏼. Let me know what you think.
Hi! - I am going to use Dr. Tims one and only on my 13.5 Fluval. I know I should turn off the pump, but should I wait and add the chemipure blue and biological media until after its cycled? Or just add the one and only, turn it off, leave it sit for 24 hours and then turn it back on with the filter media inside? Thanks!
Really like the way you walked us through and explained the cycle(s). The info here is helpful for everyone, I think that's great. On a new setup, I personally ghost feed a very small amount every day so that when fish - or anything else that needs to be fed - is added to the tank, the nitrification process is already in effect and adjusted to daily feedings. Just my way of doing it. I also like using macro algae to export nitrates instead of a major water change. Rambling on here. :) What will you add next? I mean after the nitrites are stable?
You can actually follow along the progression of the build here on youtube. If you have time, visit my library of videos and see if anything stands out to you. Thank you very much for the post.
Great video..... helped me a lot in understanding proper cycling. Quick question: what do you call the bin below that holds your skimmer and biomedia block?
@@ReeferGil when it put the bacteria in bottle the aquarium when says remove socks for 24hours. so does that mean got turn filter and pump off, also remove the sponges and media from tank for 24 hours. ps i apologise i am beginner to all this
Yup, you have to treat the rock as if it does NOT have beneficial bacteria. Cycle can take longer, but you don't have the headache of introducing pests.
I completely understand. It wasn't that I didn't want one, it was more that I spent a truck load of money on a 250g system that drained the coffers. It will hopefully be my next big upgrade!
Think of it as insurance to provide oversight and protection to your investment. Although there are two schools of thought on going tech, I made it obvious which camp I am in on this. LOL.
I'm all about tech! Even though I don't have a system controller yet, nearly all my equipment includes a controller/wifi capable (Skimmer, return, powerheads,etc). I have a wifi AC outlet mounted in my sump cabinet for my refugium light controlling the schedule :D
My LFS told me to wait for nitrates to drop to near zero when cycling instead of doing water change. What do you think? I'm going to cycle my 200G, but wanted to do it right
@@ReeferGil Thanks for the advice. I believe it's to let the anaerobic bacteria to grow. BTW, do I still need to phantom feed the tank during this period while waiting for the nitrates to drop?
@@ReeferGil oh i got an ammonia spike of 5ppm prior, thats why my nitrites are so high, its just that they have dropped to 0 since but my nitrite doesnt wanna fall.
Great question, every tank will vary, but there is no set number. Some tanks will cycle in as little as a couple of weeks, others will can take much longer.
Very good update and educational video!
Right on Luis!
Instablaster
Great info! Can't wait to see what's next!
Standby Kate!
Love the build and the sump design is fantastic. Nice work!!!
Thanks you sir!
Well presented, thanks.
Excellent Video!
Thanks Rocco
I am realy in love with your build 😍
That's awesome K! Thank you!
I will be completing the cycle soon. I won't be able to get fish for another 2 weeks, do I continue to dose 2ppm ammonia and how often?
Dr tims is awesome!
Yes sir, really loving the results.
Great video Gil, I wonder if I need that bacteria in my tank to lower my nitrates , I keep fighting with them water change after water change after water change and nothing never stay on 60 or less I put a poly filter to reduce nitrates and two pure marine blocks and nothing, I put some nitrate absorber from Dr G’s that is supposed to be doing something within hours so I’ll test tomorrow and see the progress. Tank is awesome and the sump is to die for. Great work of art, we all been patiently waiting for this moment am sure you too
The bacteria won't affect the nitrates. It's like you have something dead in your tank or a pool of detritius under a rock. Something is causing your nitrates to be as high as they are. You're using RODI water, right? Have you tested your newly mixed saltwater before it goes into your tank?
ReeferGil i had a pool of detritus under the rocks wish I have been removing little by little, nothing dead have been found anywhere and yes I check my RODI water all the time and test the sea water when I get it, am here in Miami so I get natural sea water wish I will replace in near future for home made water when I fishing the remodeling and create a mixing station . I did add a gobi to clean the sand bed and may be this may cause to remove some pockets of bacteria under the sand that cause this nitrate bloom. Am afraid of a algae bloom but so far no signs of them. Wish me luck
I have been told by dr Tim company that if your ph gets to low u can do a small water change mid cycle , just to bring it back up again , which I did and now is back on track . Hope this is helpful
The main purpose of the cycle is to establish beneficial bacteria. I wouldn't suggest doing a water change as pH is really a meaningless number during the cycle.
Lol I was talking with my bubby last Tuesday about how I cycled my tank and he said why did you do that when you could of just peed in your water to kick off the cycle I laughed and asked does that work he reassured me it does and I responded they don't tell you that on the forums. And here you are bringing it up so why do we waste money on fish-less cycles when we all pee daily
Haha. Well pee does have ammonia in it. To each their own Smurph. Thanks for sharing the story, very funny.
I wonder if we can't have BRS test out different pee cycles i.e. does morning pee have a higher concentration then later in the day pee or would cat pee be better then human pee and I wonder what benefits would come from using unicorn pee I can't find any but I'm sure someone has some laying around
Good detail from start to finish Mr reefer... Lol 7 months
haha, thanks Sheem!
Thank you
Excellent video. I have been looking at using this product myself.. Your system looks well set up in your video is very informative. However I would point that one thing. Anaerobic bacteria will break down nitrates. Although I'm sure we would agree, you're not going to see that immediately after a cycle. I am curious though. I have never seen any detectable nitrates in his system immediately after cycling. In fact it took over a year for my 60 gallon system to show any detectable nitrates. I couldn't even grow Cheato for about two years. This is also common in client tanks.. what would you attribute your post cycle nitrates to?
TheReefaholic Hey! I would say accidentally overfeeding tank during cycle. I go over it in my GHA video I put out on Sunday. Ug.
The tank looks awesome, even without any fish or coral in it. I will definitely try Dr. Tim's the next cycle I do.
Do you have any worries of fish/snails going down the pipe that feeds in the fresh water?
Hey Brain, did think of that. All I can say right now is, I hope that doesn't happen. LOL.
Do you suggest water changes during the cycling process? If so what schedule and water volume change would you recommend
No water changes during the cycle. Remember, we WANT the ammonia, nitrites and nitrates to peak, then drop. Doing a water change before the cycle is done will defeat the point of the cycle. Hope this helps.
Best way to cycle your tank I cycled my discus tank with ammonia from ace hardware.
Thats awesome! I saw the ammonia at ACE too.
Woooooooo, we got water brother
HAHA, I'm so fired up!
ReeferGil I'm fired up and it ain't even my tank. .
Great update Gil, I used DR,Tim's and it still took 6 weeks. But the end results are rewarding when you can add your first fish.
Yeah, seems to have worked very well!
Isn't the whole purpose of that product to speed things up
Thank you for your very-detailed instructional videos. I've watched the whole series, it is so helpful for my near-future first Tank. I intend to buy a 48"L x 18"D x 24"H with Starphire glass. I've read some posts in Reef2reef.com and some complain about the noise at the front of the internal box. I have a question that does your Shadow Overflow making noise at the weir? I'd like to check before i make decision to buy a overflow. Once again, thank you for your videos.
Thanks Long for following on this build, really appreciate that. The Shadow Overflow was initially loud. For the first two weeks, I just dealt with it. Then one day I spent about 15 minutes dialing in the gate valve. Dead silent now. If I could only get my Gyre pumps to get quieter, I'd have a pretty quiet system, lol.
ReeferGil Hi ReeferGil, good to hear the Shadow Overflow works for you. I will pull the trigger for that overflow. In addition, can you make a video about your working Gyre powerheads here (noise level, water circulation...)? I think the video will be very helpful for lots of people including me. And I am still looking ahead for the next EP. of tour Build Series here. Thanks
After doing a 50% water change do I still need to add bacteria ?
It won't hurt. I added it every month or whenever I remembered during first year.
ReeferGil so I’ll add fish after that or do I have to wait ?
I added biospiria after the cycle was taking to long. I was told by my lfs I had high ammonia nitrites and nitrates and ti do a water change so I did and i was low ammonia and maintaining a constant high of nitrites and nitrates so thats when I added the biospira. next day reading same . Iknow dr Tim suggests keeping ammonia at 2.0 after nitrates appear until u convert to zero within 24 hours so my dumb ass decide to add ammonia nd i accidentally added to much and now I have crazy high ammonia at 8 ppm! I know I need yet another water change! I guess I should have waited it out! I hope I havnt permanently screwed cycle and have to start over! Its been 3 weeks adn2 days so far and I bet i have at least another week!
Hey Karen, LFS gave you bad advice. Do NOT do water changes, you're prolonging your cycle. At this point, I would suggest you leave the lights off and wait till ammonia and nitrites drop to zero. Do not rush through the cycle process or you'll likely regret it later.
I’ve not used the other dr time products, I’ve used the ammonia. Great stuff! My first reef I dosed WAY to much ammonia, it was a long process hahah
Haha, it's very tempting to add more than recommended, isn't it!
👍🏽
2 thumb up
Haha, thank you very much!
I’m not seeing nitrites but there’s Nitrates
You mean I shouldnt just throw a demsel in to cycle the tank? 😂
Ha, that's how I started my 75 gallon. This is way better!!!
warn ppl you scream yes at the start my goodness
LOL, it's not loud on my end. You must have super duper speakers.
All bacteria in a bottle is garbage!!! Gotta do a 2 month cycle to get your tank going
shane maloney Thanks for the post.
As always tons of great information Gil and I love Dr.Tims since I have always used it in my builds. I am really happy you have water in your tank and really look forward to fish, clean up crew and corals. All the best of luck.
Thank you Scott! I can't wait!
Hey Gil looks great! Just one thing that you mentioned...there absolutely IS bacteria that will convert nitrate to nitrogen gas. It survives in low oxygen environments such as deep within live rock or under a deeper sand bed. I actually recommend not doing a water change until the nitrates drop off a bit, that way you can help establish the denitrifying bacteria and it will help keep nitrates down in the longer term 👍🏼. Let me know what you think.
Spot on! I agree with allowing the nitrates to drop off before doing water change too. Thanks for taking the time to post!
What sump was that?
Zero Edge Aquariums
@@ReeferGil nice thanks
in my tank i just have sponges alfagrog do i have to remove them for 24hours or do i just got turn pump off?
Torn all filters and pumps of
🤔
Hi! - I am going to use Dr. Tims one and only on my 13.5 Fluval. I know I should turn off the pump, but should I wait and add the chemipure blue and biological media until after its cycled? Or just add the one and only, turn it off, leave it sit for 24 hours and then turn it back on with the filter media inside? Thanks!
yuck 🤢 p in your aquarium
Lol
Nice! Dr. Tims works great!
Thanks Brain, I was pretty impressed with both products.
Good info Gil. Good that you cycled the rock, nice clean start even if you lost the bacteria during scape.
Exactly, I want to avoid that GHA and phosphate issues.
Always enjoy watching your videos. Tank is looking great and can't wait for the next update!
Thanks Wil!
At which point we can run the filtration and skimmer ?
Awesome update Gil! Anyone who is starting up a saltwater tank should definitely watch this video very informative thank you.
Appreciate that very much, thank you!!!
Great Explanation of the Cycle. That Dr Tims, is good stuff
Yes it is! Thanks Mang,
Really like the way you walked us through and explained the cycle(s). The info here is helpful for everyone, I think that's great. On a new setup, I personally ghost feed a very small amount every day so that when fish - or anything else that needs to be fed - is added to the tank, the nitrification process is already in effect and adjusted to daily feedings. Just my way of doing it. I also like using macro algae to export nitrates instead of a major water change. Rambling on here. :)
What will you add next? I mean after the nitrites are stable?
You can actually follow along the progression of the build here on youtube. If you have time, visit my library of videos and see if anything stands out to you. Thank you very much for the post.
@@ReeferGil Sure thing, man.
Couldn't be explained any better than this.
Great video!
Really appreciate that!
Great video..... helped me a lot in understanding proper cycling. Quick question: what do you call the bin below that holds your skimmer and biomedia block?
Sump
so you got remove your filter sponges etc
Not sure what you're asking.
@@ReeferGil when it put the bacteria in bottle the aquarium when says remove socks for 24hours. so does that mean got turn filter and pump off, also remove the sponges and media from tank for 24 hours. ps i apologise i am beginner to all this
@@leepearson4400 yes, remove socks, shutoff media, and turn off skimmer for a few hours. Sponges can stay.
@@ReeferGil thank you. sorry i am new to this just trying to learn
Beautiful build. Its been fun to watch.
Thanks John, I'm really enjoy it.
If I’m using dry rock that I bleached and clean would I still do the same cycle process
Yup, you have to treat the rock as if it does NOT have beneficial bacteria. Cycle can take longer, but you don't have the headache of introducing pests.
I love your aquascape! I really need to get an APEX... Next black friday sale! :D
Your entire reefing experience will improve with a controller. Wouldn't run a system without one. Thanks Aaron, great video today, very funny.
I completely understand. It wasn't that I didn't want one, it was more that I spent a truck load of money on a 250g system that drained the coffers. It will hopefully be my next big upgrade!
Think of it as insurance to provide oversight and protection to your investment. Although there are two schools of thought on going tech, I made it obvious which camp I am in on this. LOL.
I'm all about tech! Even though I don't have a system controller yet, nearly all my equipment includes a controller/wifi capable (Skimmer, return, powerheads,etc). I have a wifi AC outlet mounted in my sump cabinet for my refugium light controlling the schedule :D
Finally a good step by step on fishless cycle with ammonia! Thanks man
Thank you very much
My LFS told me to wait for nitrates to drop to near zero when cycling instead of doing water change. What do you think? I'm going to cycle my 200G, but wanted to do it right
Hey Clorox, that's good advice. I waited till they were near zero on my first build. Probably best way to go.
@@ReeferGil Thanks for the advice. I believe it's to let the anaerobic bacteria to grow. BTW, do I still need to phantom feed the tank during this period while waiting for the nitrates to drop?
how long did it take you to cycle the rocks...
Hey Tiko, I left the rock in the salt bin for about 6 months. I was in no rush.
What if I put the dirty filter sock of my established tank into this new tank for Cycling. Will it work?
I don't think you'd have enough bacteria on a filter sock that's only been in your established tank for a couple of days. I wouldn't do it.
@@ReeferGil i mean for the ammonia after adding the Dr Tims..
My ammonia has been at 0 for a week and yet my nitrities and nitrates are off the charts. Is the cycle stalled? Im getting really impatient.
Nope. You likely missed the ammonia spike, not uncommon to do. Your tank is on it's way to cycle. Patience is a must.
@@ReeferGil oh i got an ammonia spike of 5ppm prior, thats why my nitrites are so high, its just that they have dropped to 0 since but my nitrite doesnt wanna fall.
@@marcelrodriguez2067 it will
Great Video!
Thank you George!
Good info video
Thanks Ploostsa
solid instructions man, thanks!
Right on sir, thank you!
Nice video, keep us updated.
Most definitely!
I absolutely love your tank!
Thanks Brock!
nice intro
Nadi Mian Reefer Haha, I hope you liked the vid too
ReeferGil off course a detailed video about aquarium cycle it was really nice to wacth and the sump you got is very beautiful
Nadi Mian Reefer 👍
love it.
Thank you Ray!
Is there a level of ammonia that you're looking to achieve before it starts to drop?
Great question, every tank will vary, but there is no set number. Some tanks will cycle in as little as a couple of weeks, others will can take much longer.