Cycling a new 26 gallon saltwater tank?

Question

I just bought a 26 gallon saltwater tank. Now I'm getting ready to fill it up and cycle it. I've read from some sources to fill it with water first then rock, others suggest setting the rock first, then putting water in. What is the best way to do it?

Answer 1

If you're using live rock, you need to keep it wet so the bacteria on it doesn't die from too long of exposure to air. I would suggest filling the tank partway (enough to cover the rock once it's stacked), then adding the rock. This way you keep the rock wet, but don't have the tank overflow if the rock takes up move volume than you expected. If the rock you're using is dry reef rock (base rock), I'd still use this method to prevent overflows. Having some water in the tank also lets you turn each piece around so there aren't any bubbles trapped under the pieces which will cause dieoff in that area.

Add the rock before the substrate so the rock sits on the bottom of the tank - this prevents the rockwork from shifting if you have fish or inverts that try burrowing under the rock. Rinse the substrate well before you put it in the tank - some have a lot of dust, and these will make your water cloudy for days otherwise.

Once you have the rock and substrate in where you want them, fill the tank the rest of the way.

Answer 2

Ok here goes --Saltwater Cycling 101--
1) The cycle.
-Fish produce waste (ammonia, toxic) which water based bacteria eat and produce nitrite(less toxic but still toxic). Air breathing bacteria eat nitrites and produce nitrates(less toxic but still needs to remain diluted). Plants(and a few others) take in nitrates and I believe produce nitrogen but im not sure on that part either way they render it harmless.
2)Reproducing the cycle.
-You supply sacrificial fish(damsels) which provide the ammonia for the first month or so while your bacteria culters form. This takes care of the ammonia and nitrites. To remove the nitrates theres three options.
a)Water changes
b)Chemical removal
c)A refugium
-A second tank with plants in them that has a very slow
water exchange rate with the main tank.
3)Jump starting the cycle
-You can either add play grade sand and some decorations and then add some bacteria which will take a while longer to complete the cycle or jump start it using live rock, live sand, and products such as bio-spira. Doing this will greatly aid your starting fish. Plus if you use live sand youll get some added creatures like baby star fish and things.

That concludes the cycling options. Things to remember are canisters do not promote nitrite eating bacteria so look to wet dry filters or bio wheels. Also salt water fish are often thought of as eels, sharks, lionfish, puffers, ect... Resist the urge to start with them. You need to start with damsels especially if your new. Trust me I did it the other way and it cost me over 100 bucks in dead fish. Lastly start saving for your next tank. Once you get this one going your gonna want those bigger fish and youll need the money for the bigger tank. Best of luck contact me if you have any questions.