[AlGar111]

I was informed that I need to cycle my tank. When and how should I cycle my tank. I have no clue on this subject. The only thing I know is that I have not done this yet and my tank has been running for about 3 months. Thanks, Alan

[Taras1]

Most tanks cycle in around 3-4 mos. "Cycling" is a natural process by which waste products, mainly protein and urea are broken down into ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Bacteria in your substrate (hopefully sand) and on your live rock will do this for you. Usually ammonia, very toxic, forms and peaks within about 2-4 weeks; nitrite , also very toxic, begins to form at 2 weeks and then peaks at about 6-7 weeks; finally, nitrate, less toxic, starts forming about 4-6 weeks and should peak about 8-10 weeks. It depends on what you have in your tank and type of skimmer and filtration.

Get a good test kit and check your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels.

[AlGar111]

Originally Posted by Taras1

Most tanks cycle in around 3-4 mos. "Cycling" is a natural process by which waste products, mainly protein and urea are broken down into ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Bacteria in your substrate (hopefully sand) and on your live rock will do this for you. Usually ammonia, very toxic, forms and peaks within about 2-4 weeks; nitrite , also very toxic, begins to form at 2 weeks and then peaks at about 6-7 weeks; finally, nitrate, less toxic, starts forming about 4-6 weeks and should peak about 8-10 weeks. It depends on what you have in your tank and type of skimmer and filtration.

Get a good test kit and check your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels.

How will I know when it is going thru its cycle. I am still learning and new to salt water. Thanks for your help.

[Taras1]

Your Ammonia and Nitrites should be 0 ppm. Nitrates should be <10.

You probably also will see a shift from brown diatom (algae) to some green algae (hopefully not too much, especially hair algae) and then finally really nice coralline algae.

[AlGar111]

Originally Posted by Taras1

Your Ammonia and Nitrites should be 0 ppm. Nitrates should be <10.

You probably also will see a shift from brown diatom (algae) to some green algae (hopefully not too much, especially hair algae) and then finally really nice coralline algae.

You have been a great help. Thank you

[Jeremy0322]

Seems like you should do some more research. Not saying that to be mean but it is probably the best thing that you can do at this point. Robert Fenner has a great book called the Conscientious Marine Aquarist that will be extremely helpful to anyone starting. Trust me, i know what im talking about here. Reading it now.