How To Cycle A Saltwater Aquarium In 2022 - Quickly And Properly

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  • Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
  • Cycling a saltwater aquarium can be done quickly AND properly! Here's how...
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    0:00 Intro
    0:39 Getting ready
    0:58 Starting the cycle
    1:54 Adding fish
    2:33 Testing requirements
    3:14 Other steps
    4:06 FAQs
    7:31 Watch next
  • Домашні улюбленці та дикі тварини

КОМЕНТАРІ • 201

  • @swifty2844
    @swifty2844 2 роки тому +40

    Working in an aquatics center, I've seen a number of people use this method with pretty hit and miss results. Personally I find cycling with bottled Bacteria and letting the bacteria dye off is a safer bet. Leading to less uneeded fish mortality. Patience is the biggest thing I wish we could bottle and sell these days.

  • @lokeyacolyte2145
    @lokeyacolyte2145 2 роки тому +1

    This is very clear and concise, but super useful information! Thank you!

  • @benmolloy3269
    @benmolloy3269 2 роки тому +5

    Great video mate. I loved how you explained it in simple terms but also informative. Little to no confusion for a beginner. A big thumbs up from myself in the land down under 👍🏼

  • @awsimical1
    @awsimical1 Рік тому +1

    Super helpful video. Hands down most concise, informative fish in cycle video I’ve seen

  • @justasimpleengineer96
    @justasimpleengineer96 Рік тому +2

    Just the info I was looking for! Adding water and a couple clown fish this weekend. Long time coming. Thanks for the great video

  • @bencobb3433
    @bencobb3433 2 роки тому +2

    Really great video Alex 👍

  • @greydiesel
    @greydiesel 2 роки тому +10

    great and informative video as always! I wanna start my first tank in a few months! your videos helped me a lot in preparing for it

  • @pauldeacon8764
    @pauldeacon8764 2 роки тому

    Great video as always Alex! 😀👍

  • @fishpalace
    @fishpalace 2 роки тому

    Nice video Alex and a great guide if you want to take this route. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • @bonohusky7849
    @bonohusky7849 2 роки тому +9

    Thanks Alex for another great video. You cannot appreciate the bacteria enough. I always add a little bit after each water change to increase bio diversity which helps me to keep Cyano at bay

  • @Motographyza
    @Motographyza 2 роки тому +3

    I have just finished my cycle, and have done what you have mentioned. I use seachem prime to help detoxify ammonia an stability for bacteria. Full initial cycle happened in 9 days. Now its just diatoms and green hair algae.

  • @thewackyreef3252
    @thewackyreef3252 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the video

  • @fuffoon
    @fuffoon 2 роки тому

    Good advice. I'm on day 28 of cycling. Its diatom time and the snails are killing it. Its not growing back quickly where the escargot have gone. The basic cycle took 18 days and Gramma Loreto went in day 19. Its going really well. There is now a baby Hepatus doing great too after I took him out of the bristle worm tank.

  • @michaelbutler1192
    @michaelbutler1192 2 роки тому

    Brilliant vid 👏 👌 👍

  • @apss5736
    @apss5736 2 роки тому +1

    awesome video

  • @AdeelTV
    @AdeelTV 2 роки тому

    Great video, thanks :)

  • @hutchinsondean3443
    @hutchinsondean3443 Рік тому

    Alex your absolutely great 👍

  • @SuperCarldk
    @SuperCarldk 2 роки тому

    NEEDED THIS FROM YOU

  • @SalamanderFangskin
    @SalamanderFangskin 2 роки тому

    Prodibio Start Up has given me much better results in a long-term in a stable way 👍

  • @eugenerivera4327
    @eugenerivera4327 Рік тому

    Thanks a lot for the info by the way I have just purchase a 10 g and I turned it into a salt water tank and it's at the cycling part as we speak and I do have an damsel in it. But after the cycle part I will purchase a peacock mantis shrimp at a local fish shop I really can't wait I'm so excited about the salt tanks I always wanted to start one up but I was Afraid of the cost and maintenance on it but now it's not all that hard to do it but like I said great job on this vid

  • @sunnygoold9449
    @sunnygoold9449 2 роки тому

    great info ;)

  • @foxglovemead
    @foxglovemead 2 роки тому

    I have a display tank which i'm cycling with the Reef Mature Starter Kit from Red Sea, In the meantime I have also setup a quarantine tank, but without live sand and rocks. I was persuaded to start this with AMT Colony and also Cupramine from Seachem as the LFS runs their fish tanks with about 0.3 ppm Copper. The initial dose of Cupramine is 0.25 ppm and the suggestion is to increase this to 0.5 ppm after 48 hours. My first two Clowns didn't make it through this initial period. One died after 24 hours and the other a day later. It was suggested that I should wait a week and start again with a full dose of Colony again. I decided that although Cupramine has benefits it is only slightly less toxic to fish than the parasites that it targets. So, I have been removing the Copper with activated carbon in a bag in the filter. I have two replacement Clowns and the plan is to wait and see if they need the Cupramine rather than add it from the first day. Fish already have a hard enough time until they arrive in our tanks, have acclimation to contend with and so don't perhaps need a further upset from the Cupramine? If I do introduced it again, it will be in stages - where a 20% water change could reverse the last increase. A further disadvantage of Cupramine is that it prevents using AmGuard from Seachem - so that if their Seachem Alert indicates too much free Ammonia, this can't be used to quickly lower the level. It seems that at start up the potential for Ammonia to increase is greatest compared to an established tank, so monitoring and having a backup plan is always a good idea. I also have two full containers of RO/DI and Saltwater in RO/DI available to manage water issues. Simon

  • @danielmerrell8926
    @danielmerrell8926 2 роки тому

    great video would be excellent if you could do a video on your opinion on tank transfers .e.g. upgrading to a bigger tank or moving house cheers

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому

      Upgrading in a house is relatively easy, just don't reuse the sand. Moving a tank to a different house is a pain in the arse! I've done it once and wouldn't do it again...

  • @RobBoryckiGolf
    @RobBoryckiGolf 2 роки тому +1

    I agree Alex. Last year I did fritz zyme 9 bacteria. Added a. Bottle and two clowns to a 70g tank. Never saw ammonia and after a few days nitrates. No harm no fowl

  • @grumpygit447
    @grumpygit447 2 роки тому

    Have used atm and can say it does as it says

  • @samm9017
    @samm9017 3 місяці тому +1

    I'm very new into the hobby and I added GSP, mushrooms, rose BTA and rock flower anemone right after cycling and I just use water from my faucet. I never had any issues so far. 🤞

    • @samm9017
      @samm9017 3 місяці тому

      I don't even dechlorinate. I just let my water sit for a week before I use it. May not be the best practice but works just flawless.

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  3 місяці тому +1

      Great that it's working so far, but that's a ticking time bomb...

  • @eric_schaaf
    @eric_schaaf 4 місяці тому +1

    Nice. Can’t imagine setting up a new tank and adding a frozen shrimp to rot … and how nasty that would smell! I went with Seachem Stability and a pair of clowns. All good … 1.5 years later. 150 gal mixed reef: Planet Aquariums Mega Matrix with 40 gal sump.

    • @ZaynPilot
      @ZaynPilot 3 місяці тому

      Yeah seachem stability is great one

  • @bobbyrob100
    @bobbyrob100 2 роки тому

    Thanks for all the great videos. What are your thoughts on a 1 day tank transfer. I have a new tank coming that is going in the same spot the current tank sits at.

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +1

      Fine - I've done it a couple of times. Just don't transfer the sand and make sure the temperature matches on both tanks.

  • @xisotopex
    @xisotopex 8 місяців тому

    would adding some clean ocean water to the tank have any benefits? I am aware of a few negatives, but would there be any positives doing so?

  • @petercashell4834
    @petercashell4834 2 роки тому +3

    Loved this video. Clear and concise, sound advice. Thanks from Ireland and I’m heartily reassured that I’m on the right path. Have pretty much taken all the steps outlined, in the correct order…..elsewhere I find there’s too much conflicting info and American ranting on the subject…..delivered at 100 MPH! Oh and I’m a “Cannister Cowboy” too. #dontcare #notapurist #marinetankmaverick #alliswell

  • @numberdrummer5097
    @numberdrummer5097 2 роки тому +2

    Nice video! I'm excited that I can potentially add fish so soon in the cycling process. I thought I would have to wait a month or more. What about quarantining the fish? Is there a need to do that if the tank is new? Also regarding the adding a piece of live rock from the local aquarium store to help add nitrifying bacteria. What about the risk of introducing unwanted pests into a new tank. What are your thoughts on that? Total newb here, please excuse any ignorance in my questions.

    • @quadlawnmowerman
      @quadlawnmowerman 2 роки тому

      the advice in this video generally should not be followed if you want to have success

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +1

      I don't quarantine fish personally but if you're going to do so, you should still qt your first fish. The only real pest you're likely to get is aiptasia and you should be able to spot that easily on a small piece of rock. True live rock from the ocean is just much better than dry rock though for things like biodiversity and filtration capacity. The pros heavily outweigh the cons for me 🙂

  • @MrTommo2008
    @MrTommo2008 2 роки тому

    Great video, recently subscribed to your channel and have just finished filling my first marine tank (5ft), added a shrimp yesterday so waiting for the cycle to start - question is do I need my heater on at the moment? Seems a waste for it to be on right now if I'm not adding fish yet?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +1

      Been a long time since I've cycled that way, but I think the temperate affects the rate at which bacteria proliferate. I'd have the heater on personally...

    • @MrTommo2008
      @MrTommo2008 2 роки тому

      @@ReefDork ok thanks for the response, ill get the heater on! Keep making the great content 👍

  • @fishlegend2536
    @fishlegend2536 2 роки тому

    This is my favorite cycling video so far! But I was wondering, won't turning the lights on grow a lot of algae on the rocks and sand though? 🤔

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому

      Gonna happen at some point...

  • @Straahat
    @Straahat 2 роки тому

    Can you do a tutorial/guide regarding cuttlefish? I'm considering getting a beginner setup like the one you showed recently and perhaps eventually get a cuttlefish but I'm concerned that it would be too difficult because it's very hard to gain all the necessary information about what and how to get the equipment required for them. On top of that it would be useful to know where to purchase them and how to cultivate hatchlings. Keep up the good work and content!

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +1

      I know nothing about them I'm afraid. Apart from the fact they're cool 😎

    • @Straahat
      @Straahat 2 роки тому

      @@ReefDork Fair enough, thanks for the clarification though!

  • @modotd3885
    @modotd3885 2 роки тому +1

    Great Vid - To the point without ambiguity - Q: Would you bother with live sand (dearer, less sand than dry sand per £) - If yes, then you still need atm colony/dr tims etc?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +1

      I never do, partly because I like to rinse sand. But if I did, I'd definitely still use Dr Tim's 🙂

    • @modotd3885
      @modotd3885 2 роки тому

      @@ReefDork This was my thought process too. Money saved on dry sand can be used on Dr Tim's. At least I know the bacteria is pukka from day one. I can also run a magnet through it 😉
      Currently torn between Reeflowers Pearl White and Maidenhead Aquatics sand.

  • @Alex-ws1xm
    @Alex-ws1xm Рік тому

    Thanks, really a clear and direct to the point information video. I am planning to start my first 100 liters reef tank soon. I wanted to add Caribsea reef rock because they have dormant bacteria but no pests as live rocks as far as I understood. Can I still follow your procedure?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому +1

      I'd be a bit more cautious if you don't add any live rock at all - maybe leave it a couple of weeks before adding fish to make sure there's no ammonia spike (but still feed the tank even without fish)

    • @Alex-ws1xm
      @Alex-ws1xm Рік тому

      @@ReefDork Thanks for the reply :-) It seems not easy to find the 3 bacteria starters products you suggest in EU. Would "Brightwell Aquatics MicrōBacter Start XLM" be a good substitute?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому

      @@Alex-ws1xm I've never used that but it looks like the same sort of thing

  • @mdj4427
    @mdj4427 9 місяців тому

    When should i turn on skimmer after putting fish on the first day?

  • @AquariumHobbist
    @AquariumHobbist 23 дні тому

    Very useful video for me as I look to start my first reef tank. Question - when should I turn on my sump? You mentioned to turn off the filter but what’s a good time to have it on?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  23 дні тому +1

      I tend to have a skimmer running more or less from day 1, but having no filtration for a month while the nutrients build up isn't a bad idea.

    • @AquariumHobbist
      @AquariumHobbist 17 днів тому

      @@ReefDork thanks! Any rule of thumb in terms of what kind of skimmer to get? I am getting a 3ft tank with 2ft sump.

  • @simplereef4854
    @simplereef4854 Рік тому

    I added my coral on day one, green star polyp it is.

  • @hakman239
    @hakman239 6 місяців тому

    How much live rock did you use I got just about 1kg but my colony didn’t make water cloudy

  • @victorialegkodukh4261
    @victorialegkodukh4261 11 місяців тому

    Thank you for making reefing less intimidating 😅

  • @richardswede
    @richardswede 2 роки тому

    Can't give you enough Thumbs up, I am trawling trough all your video's to try glean as much info as possible, but my tank (Red Sea Max Nano) is arriving on Tuesday (2 Days), so this video i have now watched 3 times. I will use it as my bible come fill up time a day or so after i have the scaping and sand done. A couple of questions if i may please?:
    1. I want to add and run with MarinePure Gems at the bottom of my filter sock section (white fine floss for polishing on top)....Can i add and leave these two items from the start and during the Cycle?
    2. I also want to run a small amount of the Red Sea Carbon that comes with the tank, but an i right in understanding that this carbon should NOT be used during cycle?
    Thank you Reef Dork, and i have loads of your video' to go through yet, but no doubt i will view this one again before Tuesday and have it on screen ready to refer with during my tank start up. (BTW Subscribed and notifications on)

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому

      Never heard of MP Gems i'm afraid. No need to run carbon for a good couple of months - your water won't need polishing at first

  • @modotd3885
    @modotd3885 2 роки тому +1

    Any tips on picking live rock to help the cycling...nasties or warning signs to look out for

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +1

      Aiptasia and algae are the main things I try to avoid - especially ulva lacuta. But if it looks clean, I'm not too fussy - a bit of biodiversity is a good thing 🙂

    • @modotd3885
      @modotd3885 2 роки тому

      @@ReefDork Cheers. It's finding the balance between lab sterile and Blackpool beach water.

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому

      @@modotd3885 😅

  • @lordbrod9686
    @lordbrod9686 2 роки тому

    When do you turn your protein skimmer/algae reactor on?? Great video :)

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому

      Probs around the 4 week mark, but test nitrate and phosphate and turn them on when you start to get readings

    • @lordbrod9686
      @lordbrod9686 2 роки тому

      @@ReefDork Great thank you for clarifying!

  • @rezafisher2549
    @rezafisher2549 2 роки тому

    Ill be setting up a tank soon with HOB Filter and HOB Skimmer. Do I turn both of these off? How soon can I turn them back on?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому

      Turn the skimmer off for a week - probably won't hurt to leave it off longer. If you have filter media in your HOB filter, you'lll want that on. If you have chaeto or something else you'll remove and throw away, you want that off.

  • @RoroNYQ
    @RoroNYQ 2 роки тому

    This video somehow answered a lot of my questions I have about cycling. If I would like to start a reef only with some inverts tank, is that the same cycling schedule?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +2

      Hmm, in theory yes I suppose. Doesn't feel like a good idea though - not sure you'll have enough bioload to sustain a happy tank.

    • @Wayneandjayswildadventures
      @Wayneandjayswildadventures 2 роки тому +1

      Yes, yes it is as long as you are feeding your corals enough, remember people that keep reef tanks normally keep many fish as well as corals, corals feed from the water coloum, so as long as you feed the corals with enough food your bacteria will be fine. The key is test regular and water change regularly,
      I keep a reef tank with 2 fish and water change 10% weekly with natural sea water and its doing great (2 years). Decent light and food source is the key.

    • @RoroNYQ
      @RoroNYQ 2 роки тому

      @@Wayneandjayswildadventures thanks for the input! I will take that into consideration when I start my tank. Still in the newbie planning stage. Haha stuck in the financial side of things right now but doing my due research and getting opinion before I start spending all that money. I'd need a chiller so to buy one is three times my current rent in my country. My country is hot and humid all year round so that's a must. Also, the tank with light, skimmer, and filter media is also around 2 month's rent. Being very careful before I start one.

  • @mellewedin8221
    @mellewedin8221 Рік тому

    The seachems ammonia chart card can fail horribly as well! I have had it happen a few times and it was well under year, one it took 3 months.

  • @jameswithers3066
    @jameswithers3066 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Alex, at what point can I feed more and how many times a day should I feed? Thanks in advance

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +1

      Good question. Feed light as long as you can - testing nitrate and phosphate once a week is probably a good way to see if you've got the balance of feeding/water changes right. As long as your fish don't look thin (it should be obvious when they do) you're feeding enough

    • @jameswithers3066
      @jameswithers3066 2 роки тому

      @@ReefDork thanks once again alex

  • @mrzybisko14
    @mrzybisko14 2 роки тому +1

    i kept reading up that urchins eat zoas as well. so i am so conflicted to get one. i think one more advice that you should add to newbies is that, a lot of information you find about reefing is anecdotal.

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому

      Never heard that myself - the blue tux is completely reef safe in my experience

    • @simonperry6848
      @simonperry6848 2 роки тому

      I agree, I have three in my tank with no problems at all. I do have one that has collected a Zoa garden on it's back but they don't mind being transported around so it's alright by me.

  • @spicyreef
    @spicyreef 2 роки тому +2

    Most can NOT use tap, can't trust city to clean. I live in N Seattle our water is pristine, not as clean as RODI but clean enough. you started to lose me when you said you can't add coral from day one. I've always added coral from day one along with fish. I was pleasantly surprised for this very informative video. I posted my thoughts and shared my experience on this w/ social media and got flamed 8 months ago... lol aquarium police came out with their squad...

    • @arsenioseslpodcast3143
      @arsenioseslpodcast3143 Рік тому

      Ammonia can't go to zero if you have a dead shrimp and food. It will skyrocket. THen you want to reduce it and wait till it goes to zero? I still don't see the logic in that. You're literally spiking ammonia, the very thing that can kill the fish, and for what? I feel like cycling is a complete waste of time without fish. Just have the fish poop and have a skimmer run and keep the ammonia down + add a bacterial killer thing everyday for a week or so.

    • @spicyreef
      @spicyreef Рік тому

      @@arsenioseslpodcast3143 It's all about the balance 🙂even a cycled tank can have an ammonia spike if too much bioload is added at once...

  • @pault9287
    @pault9287 2 роки тому

    Hoping to start my salty journey soon. Most people seem to start with Clowns because Damsels are hardy - but I've read they can be territorial and I might be better to let more peaceful fish establish first, so the Clowns are not as boisterous! Can any fish be used for this method, for example, a Goby or Firefish or should you go for a fishless cycle method with less hardy first fish?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +1

      Clowns will almost always be absolutely fine. But any fish will be OK if you follow the process correctly 👍

    • @jasonarthurs3885
      @jasonarthurs3885 2 роки тому

      I've kept Firefish and briefly introduced a Damsel to my tank under poor advice; the Damsel was promptly returned the next day. This particular Damsel was incredibly territorial and fearless.

  • @SombreroBen
    @SombreroBen 2 роки тому

    Should I add fish in the day of adding Colony Marine or like the day after?

  • @coxyjmz
    @coxyjmz 2 роки тому

    Can you use a pre seeded bio block? Common practice in freshwater?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому

      Yep, common practice in the salty side too 🙂

  • @ryangaut154
    @ryangaut154 3 місяці тому

    I’ve had my salt water tank for about a month now the allergy is going crazy, but I’m starting to control it slowly my main question is what do the chemical levels need to be in the tank before you can add fish and corals

  • @mbtravel7294
    @mbtravel7294 Рік тому

    Hi , new subscriber here... . I have a 32 gallon tank that I top off with distilled water. I buy prepackaged seawater from my LFS for my original water and water changes. I heard that you can use distilled water for topping off for evaporation, is that bad? I don't have the room for a rodi filter and my tank has a lid so I don't get much evaporation.

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому

      I've never used distilled, only rodi. Distilled seems more common in the US so I'd ask someone Stateside

  • @mrsgunsage01
    @mrsgunsage01 2 роки тому +1

    I'm psyching myself up to move from fresh to salt water... not quite there yet, hopefully will be ready to go next year but I'm a notorious overplanner and researcher. I know I won't pull the trigger on something this expensive until I feel fairly sure I can do it without killing everything I put my hands on. I'm just saddened at the lack of actual plant life I'm seeing on this side. Other than people saying they put chaeto in their refugiums I haven't really seen any plants. Are there any decorative plants for the salt side of the hobby or is that just not a thing?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +2

      You can get some decorative algae - look for dragon's breath algae as an example. But most people aren't interested when they start keeping corals

  • @ronniee2799
    @ronniee2799 11 місяців тому

    Hi Alex quick question having set up my first saltwater aquarium with the method you shown, you advise not making water changes for the first 2 weeks. What is your advice if my tank is reading high nitrate and nitrites only a couple of days in. Thanks

    • @ronniee2799
      @ronniee2799 11 місяців тому

      It’s a fluval evo 13.5 I used fritz zyme 9 for bottles bacteria currently housing 2 small clowns and a small cleaner shrimp. Could it be too much livestock too quickly and or overfeeding

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  11 місяців тому +1

      Yep, crack on with weekly water changes.

    • @ronniee2799
      @ronniee2799 11 місяців тому

      @@ReefDork awesome thanks for your help. got a bit nervous seeing those test results so soon after starting, hopefully with each water change the test results improve and the bacteria can get to work I’m going to grab some live rock to give the tank a boost too. Thanks again

  • @gincifer127
    @gincifer127 2 роки тому

    Hi. Im cycling my 50gal tank with seachem stability and prime from 03/03/22. 09/03/22 i added one mini fox face + 1 vial of Prodibio Biodigest and 1 vial of biotim and then 14/03, i added 2 more fish: 1 unicorn tang, 1 bristletooth tang and they’r both 3finger size… 17/03/22 i added 4 Fauna Bacto Ball. Now my Seachem Alert always show 0.05ppm, test with Sera: No2 - 5, No3 - 50. So i asked if my tank is good to go or overload?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +1

      You need to slow down a bit - that's far too many fish so early. Get a 2nd ammonia test kit to make sure it's actually 0 but it wouldn't hurt to do a 50% water change just in case.

    • @gincifer127
      @gincifer127 2 роки тому

      @@ReefDork so then should i get the fish out and cycle again? Or just leave them in my tank and wait?

  • @badaimkroni8266
    @badaimkroni8266 Рік тому

    ive been in the terrarium and freshwater hobby for soooo long and now i want to start with saltwater. im still kinda scared about this hobby since it sounds so complicated. do you also have a video about how you make your saltwater?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому

      No, although I show the process briefly in my how to set up a saltwater aquarium videos.

  • @arsenioseslpodcast3143
    @arsenioseslpodcast3143 Рік тому +1

    RODI is mega expensive, even in SE Asia where it costs $300 for a set up. No neeed for that, especially if you have 5-15 gallon tanks

  • @rebeccacotterell8949
    @rebeccacotterell8949 Рік тому +1

    Please help. I used dr Tim’s one and only. 4-5 days later I added 2 clown fish. Fish are doing fab and are very happy. I’ve now had them 9 days and my ammonia is 1.5. I test and dose with prime and stability daily. When will my ammonia drop to 0?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому +2

      Double check the result but you need to do a few large water changes on consecutive days. Basically at least 50% but as much as possible. I'd also add a piece of mature live rock from your lfs - make sure it stays wet on the way home.

  • @jacobcollinson10
    @jacobcollinson10 Рік тому +1

    How often should I dose the bacteria during the cycling? Is it just once at start up or every couple days? Thank you for the amazing video 🙏

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому +1

      Just once but keep an eye on ammonia after 👍

  • @ryanisright3559
    @ryanisright3559 Рік тому

    How many weeks until we need to do a water change? And should I still keep the skimmer off?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому +1

      Couple of weeks should do it. That'd be a good point to turn your skimmer on too

  • @buddybonbutt7510
    @buddybonbutt7510 2 роки тому +1

    i was told its best to do a fishless cycle. would you recommend against that? i dont mind waiting a few months and i planned on adding decorum and water, then ammonia and bacteria, waiting for the tank to establish, adding soft flowy coral only (atm not a fan of hard corals), then fish, and when alge grows, CUC. do you see a flaw in this method?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +4

      I wouldn't add corals before fish and that method will take much longer and a lot more effort with no benefit imo

    • @buddybonbutt7510
      @buddybonbutt7510 2 роки тому

      @@ReefDork so you recommend what you said in this video. OK, I'll do more looking into it. Thank you.

    • @quadlawnmowerman
      @quadlawnmowerman 2 роки тому +1

      @@ReefDork except you don't kill stuff, so clearly a fare better way of doing things! This is why is it recommend strongly to do the initial cycle without any animals in the tank. Even if you don't manage to kill anything, in this size setup you are definitely seeing high enough waste levels to do the animals serious internal damage and discomfort just for your entertainment because you don't have the decency to wait 30 days or so for the environment to be good before adding living creatures.

    • @arsenioseslpodcast3143
      @arsenioseslpodcast3143 Рік тому

      @@ReefDork Exactly my thoughts. Like, you need to spike ammonia, why not do that with poop and just do water changes and make sure salinity levels are good? Lol I really don't understand the logic of having a fishless cycle. That's so pointless. Maybe it's different if you have 20+ gallons versus 5-10 gallons

    • @arsenioseslpodcast3143
      @arsenioseslpodcast3143 Рік тому

      @@quadlawnmowerman Waste = protein skimmer and a bacterial killer. DUHHH, ammonia and nitrates decrease immediately. It's not difficult

  • @cheefadareefa7153
    @cheefadareefa7153 2 роки тому

    How long should I let my tank cycle before adding clowns and cleaner shrimp?

    • @tomasmiquelarena4283
      @tomasmiquelarena4283 2 роки тому

      best is to wait until ammonia and nitrites go to zero, that's it 1 1/2 or 2 months.

  • @Scott-cy6zv
    @Scott-cy6zv 2 роки тому +1

    I don’t have any where I could run a RO system. 3 fish stores here in town in Toronto said as long as I used the Red Sea water declorinator in each mixed bucket of water I introduced into my new tank (3 days old) I’d be ok. Will I be ok as hearing only RO water has now made me nervous. I’ve just spent 1500$ on my 40 gallon tank. I was just gonna stick to dry rock and fish. I was going to get 2 clown fish, a wrasp and a blue or yellow tang. My tank is also sitting at a 1.024 salinity. Will I be ok guys???? P.S I also put a small bottle of turbo Fritz in that treats upto 25 gallons. And a ammonia product by Fritz that you put 4 drops per 1 gallon into the tank. They said it speeds up the cycling process. I pray I didn’t screw this tank up using tap water like the stores told me I could do ☹️ Great content and I just subbed

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому

      1.024 is fine - just add some more saltwater and the freshwater will evaporate, slowly increasing your salinity to sg to 1.025 or 1.026. Just test every day for a week to make sure you're not overdoing it. Do you know what the TDS of your tap water is? Where I live it's 350ppm which is unacceptable! But some parts of the UK have as low as 10ppm which is probably OK, if not ideal.

  • @sammielou
    @sammielou Рік тому

    Hi my seachem alert is showing green, can i use seachem prime alongside ATM colony?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому

      I'd guess yes but I have no experience with Prime I'm afraid.

  • @unounv
    @unounv Рік тому

    Do I remove filter pad and carbon bag from my media rack while cycling ?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому +1

      Carbon yes, filter pad no

  • @alexissignor8248
    @alexissignor8248 Рік тому

    How long do you leave the filter off after adding the liquid bacteria

  • @thegreekanimalkeeper
    @thegreekanimalkeeper 2 роки тому

    if i wanet to make a clown fish aquarium with just two ocelaris clown fish and no corals what tank sise would you recomend??

  • @nicholasdisabatino1697
    @nicholasdisabatino1697 Місяць тому

    since when can you not use distilled water to mix with a reef brand sea salt?

  • @tomasmiquelarena4283
    @tomasmiquelarena4283 2 роки тому

    In my experience the best way to cycle a marine tank is to use RODI water, add a small fraction of shrimp at the very begining and every 4 days one or two flakes of fish food, then wait till ammonia and nitrites go to zero (local marine fish store can test them for you), the whole cycle lasts 1 month and a half aprox. During the cycling process you might add nitrobacter7 (one bottle, daily dosed as indicated by manufacturer), a couple of pieces of live rock from a VERY reliable source, light for just 6 hours a day (mostly blues/actinics), wavemakers at 100% and also filters (skimmer not necessary in this stage). After that, once tank is cycled, you start introducing fish (one every other week max), some CUC and a couple of soft corals. Skimmer and lights at full regime, weekly 10% water changes. Cheers.

    • @arsenioseslpodcast3143
      @arsenioseslpodcast3143 Рік тому

      Ammonia can't go to zero if you have a dead shrimp and food. It will skyrocket. THen you want to reduce it and wait till it goes to zero? I still don't see the logic in that. You're literally spiking ammonia, the very thing that can kill the fish, and for what? I feel like cycling is a complete waste of time without fish. Just have the fish poop and have a skimmer run and keep the ammonia down + add a bacterial killer thing everyday for a week or so.

    • @talk2yous6
      @talk2yous6 Рік тому

      I currently cycling my tank… Friday was day 14…( Dr Tim bacteria and ammonium)So I did a 45% water change due to the huge Nitrate spike. The next morning Nitrates are still high🤔 Where am I at in this step?

    • @tomasmiquelarena4283
      @tomasmiquelarena4283 Рік тому +1

      @@talk2yous6 Do not do anything till day 45 more or less, by this time levels should be: nitrites 0, ammonia 0, Nitrates something between 5-40ppm. Then perform the first water change of 20%. During this cycling time just add a little of fish food (1 or 2 flakes or a diminute portion of fresh food like shrimp) once per week.

  • @edwardmurphy1041
    @edwardmurphy1041 Рік тому

    So that I understand correctly. Sand rock water and bacteria boost bring water up to temp @ 79 degrees and add 2 clowns the next day. Run filter without the carbon pad for circulation until no ammonia??

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому

      Yep. Heat the water before the bacteria goes in though - I believe that's what it says on the instructions...

    • @kevinwhite1077
      @kevinwhite1077 Рік тому

      @@ReefDork got any link for some budget rock and sand

    • @edwardmurphy1041
      @edwardmurphy1041 Рік тому

      I'm sorry to keep asking the same question but I'm a little confused. I have the rock and sand installed. I was getting my saltwater from local shop. He said to run filter while cycling and add dr tims. I thought the filter would strip the tank of what was needed that's why I was just gonna run the wave maker. Please help me understand!

  • @Coral-reef.
    @Coral-reef. 7 місяців тому

    Can i ise distilled water just to do the top off everyday ?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  7 місяців тому +1

      We don't really use distilled water in the UK so you're probably better off asking someone stateside

  • @_brinq_
    @_brinq_ Рік тому

    Sup, can i use cycled salt water water instead of bottlized bacteria?

  • @MT-qf7nu
    @MT-qf7nu Рік тому

    Could you have a tailspot blenny and hermit crabs as cuc

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому

      Yes but the blenny won't do much cleaning...

  • @ryanisright3559
    @ryanisright3559 Рік тому

    If you cycle a tank do we need to add water if it evaporates?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому

      Yes, you always need to replace the freshwater that evaporates otherwise your salinity will spike

    • @ryanisright3559
      @ryanisright3559 Рік тому

      @@ReefDork thanks for answering so quickly. I’m getting a saltwater cube tomorrow. Should I add live sand or regular aquarium sand? I will probably buy a rock or two and the bottled bacteria

  • @jhaych
    @jhaych 2 роки тому

    Why do you do such regular water changes? I thought if you had a good enough skimmer and auto dose daily this minimises water changes? I only need to do them around once every 6 weeks due to this. I know it depends on tank size and stocking levels

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +1

      Water changes do sooo much more than just remove a few nutrients. They're hugely valuable for long-term success in my opinion.

    • @jhaych
      @jhaych 2 роки тому

      @@ReefDork may I ask what for? Not a criticism, I'm fascinated as maybe I need to alter my own schedule

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +2

      @@jhaych too much to explain here - BRS have talked about it a lot. Check out their most recent video

  • @hakman239
    @hakman239 2 роки тому +1

    I would make sure it’s fully cycled also the alerts arnt accurate

  • @user-ip3tb9qp1y
    @user-ip3tb9qp1y 9 місяців тому

    If i do 20% water change everyday should i add salt?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  9 місяців тому

      20% per day is far too much, but i'm not sure I understand the question - add salt to the water change water? Or tank?

  • @Stewyc26
    @Stewyc26 Рік тому

    Hello Alex! Just set up my first tank and added a bottle of ATM Colony and 2 small clowns on Saturday evening!
    When would you advise to turn my skimmer on and also replace the bubble trap and filter sock?
    Thanks!

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Рік тому +1

      I'd leave it off for a couple of weeks or until you get some nutrients in there. Sock out,bubble trap in imo

    • @Stewyc26
      @Stewyc26 Рік тому

      @@ReefDork Thanks for the advice! I did try turning it on last night but it was just overflowing, even on the minimum setting.

  • @go4384
    @go4384 10 місяців тому

    Those bacteria bottles sit on the shelf for months and need to be mixed thoroughly- much more than a person can mix even shaking the bottle. Skip it and buy a dead shrimp and throw it in. Much more *consistent* results.

  • @jaylonmarikar6829
    @jaylonmarikar6829 11 місяців тому

    Distilled water is different than tap water, why cant i use it if i am getting mineral content from my marine salt?

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  11 місяців тому

      We don't really have distilled water readily available in the UK so it's the unknown for me to be open. And everyone I've ever known to have a successful tank uses RO/DI.

  • @ihopethebestforeveryone5257
    @ihopethebestforeveryone5257 Місяць тому

    When you do the clown fish method do I do a water change or anything when the ammonia levels spike since I have 2 clown fish in the tank or do I let the tank do its thing if anyone can help me thanks

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Місяць тому +1

      If you get any ammonia spike, you need to change as much of the water as possible - ammonia is torture for fish so change 70%+ and add some live rock from your LFS if you can.

    • @ihopethebestforeveryone5257
      @ihopethebestforeveryone5257 Місяць тому

      @ReefDork sorry I meant to say during the cycling stage do I have to do anything when the ammonia spikes

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  Місяць тому

      @@ihopethebestforeveryone5257 If you have fish in the tank, yes. If you don't, no.

  • @bengallagher1497
    @bengallagher1497 Рік тому

    Is that dry rock?

  • @micahholmes1629
    @micahholmes1629 2 роки тому

    Good video but you haven’t kept anemones?!??! I did not expect that

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому +1

      I was obsessed with the idea when I first started, but the reality of them always put me off! One day...

    • @micahholmes1629
      @micahholmes1629 2 роки тому

      @@ReefDork one day they are awesome in my experience

  • @RustyShacklefardd
    @RustyShacklefardd 2 роки тому +1

    If you already own an established tank. I can't recommend just using biomedia, old filters, or established rock enough. If you buy a piece of live rock from LFS do yourself a huge favor and dip the hell out of it if yoy dont want pests or add a wrasse right away

  • @cris_yabish
    @cris_yabish 6 місяців тому

    Does this method still work in 2023

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  6 місяців тому

      Yes, it's still what I do - the live rock is more important than I made out in this video though

  • @arsenioseslpodcast3143
    @arsenioseslpodcast3143 Рік тому +8

    Dechlorinate tap is totally fine. Don't be fooled

    • @jacklawer6389
      @jacklawer6389 4 місяці тому

      How come please

    • @jacklawer6389
      @jacklawer6389 4 місяці тому

      I used RO and still had problems, alge and stuff

    • @ZaynPilot
      @ZaynPilot 3 місяці тому

      Tq so much

    • @ZaynPilot
      @ZaynPilot 3 місяці тому

      ​@@jacklawer6389 yeah that's why he telling you don't get fooled because RoDi will remove entire natural minerals from the tap water which is not good for corals and better you use tap water, just use anti chlorine like seachem pristine conditioner and please trust me because it was told by a marine aquarium boss and he using tap water only and all his corals was very healthier, he told me RoDi water is for marketing purpose only and he has personal coral tank at his shop , he says it was 12year older and all fish was very older seems very fine, he also showed me his blue tang got bigger , he says it's live in the tank for 10years old and he says it was dechlorinated tap water, no RoWater.. and he suggested me to buy seachem pristine, seachem stability

    • @nicosenecaut7542
      @nicosenecaut7542 2 місяці тому

      Your stupid 😂😂

  • @stevehy1
    @stevehy1 2 роки тому +1

    I don’t see why distilled water would be a problem as it’s TDS is close to zero.

    • @RoroNYQ
      @RoroNYQ 2 роки тому +1

      I think from my experience, distilled water is usually heated with copper wires or brass wires, which maybe the reason they want to avoid the risks of leaching these metals into the tank?

  • @thilog5874
    @thilog5874 2 роки тому +2

    Cannot understand why still these kind of videos are being produced. How to cycle a tank in the 80s is the right header. Or the legend of cycling a tank. Or how to grow everything in a tank but corals.
    Water, Corals, then fish.
    Corals use Ammonium as food source. Corals have bacterias with them.
    Maybe you should start to learn a little bit more than what people thought 40 years ago was right.
    I bet 100 Euros that you can start here on youtube a tank with this way and it will succeed!!!

  • @tanlony7532
    @tanlony7532 2 роки тому

    That was a shrimp

    • @tanlony7532
      @tanlony7532 2 роки тому +1

      And we still want more seal puns

  • @glebtsekhmaiste7185
    @glebtsekhmaiste7185 2 роки тому

    But really, why not distilled water? It’s even cleaner than rodi, isn’t that better?

  • @quadlawnmowerman
    @quadlawnmowerman 2 роки тому +2

    Lots of bad advice in this video, I guess it matches with the fact this kind of setup for a novice is just a sea creature killer so why should the advice be any different...."only spend as much money as you are prepared to lose as there is every chance it will fail and die"...... sums up the lack of care and completely irresponsible advice in this series.
    Why set these new people to the hobby up to fail, why instruct them to have zero care that these are living creatures and knowingly kill them in the name of entertainment?

    • @RoroNYQ
      @RoroNYQ 2 роки тому

      If so, as a newbie looking to setup his new tank, can you let me know what to do? What are the bad advice he stated, just to be aware? How long have you been in this hobby and can you share with us what is YOUR way of starting a tank?

    • @quadlawnmowerman
      @quadlawnmowerman 2 роки тому +1

      @@RoroNYQ Well, were do you start, a lot of what he has said goes against mainstream (and most reefers) advice and really shows how much of a noob he is. You got less than 200L for your first marine tank then go start a freshwater tank instead. Don't feed pellet/dry food use frozen, not quarantining animals before going in the tank is crazy, don't add living creatures till you KNOW the environment is not going to kill them (generally a month or more of cycling and testing), putting fish in on day one is a complete joke which alongside old mates attitude towards killing living animals is simply unacceptable......
      Old mate will probably get away with what he is dong, but only because he has a couple of other establish tanks to fall back on. Starting a sterile tank of this size at home, with no other larger saltwater tanks around for experience and as a safety net to rescue you, WILL go bad following this method. If you are killing things, then you are clearly doing it wrong, if your attitude to killing animals is only one of monetary loss then you should not be keeping animals.

    • @ReefDork
      @ReefDork  2 роки тому

      Always happy to be challenged - anything specific you didn't agree with?