Cycling a 10 gallon aquarium

[jgoad92]

Well I went ahead and ordered this bulb in 45 watt par38. Hopefully it will be good enough for my tank. It was quiet abut cheaper than other bulbs that are similar.

 

[Big G]

Awesome! Put a timer on the cord so you can adjust the run time on a regular schedule.

 

[jgoad92]

Well I got the light in and got it set up. I think it lights up the tank pretty good for a $15 bulb (not that I really know what a good marine light looks like). Now hopefully it can get through the rest of the cycle so I can stock it soon.

 

[Big G]

Nice. Looks good!

 

[jgoad92]

How long will it take for diatoms to start appearing after adding the light? It's been running about 3 days and I haven't seen any.

Is it safe to add fish now if all the levels are down or do I have to wait for all the diatoms and other stuff to run its course?

 

[Big G]

How long will it take for diatoms to start appearing after adding the light? It's been running about 3 days and I haven't seen any.

Is it safe to add fish now if all the levels are down or do I have to wait for all the diatoms and other stuff to run its course?

It varies as to how long for the diatoms to start showing. Then after the diatoms you'll get a green algae bloom. And that will move to the next phase of red cyano. During both of those last two manipulating light durations and water changes will allow you to manage the good algae

 

[Big G]

It varies as to how long for the diatoms to start showing. Then after the diatoms you'll get a green algae bloom. And that will move to the next phase of red cyano. During both of those last two manipulating light durations and water changes will allow you to manage the good algae

Some folks like to add starter fish at this time. Some like to wait. Personal preference. Do you have fish that have been quarantined?

 

[jgoad92]

I only plan on getting a pair of clownfish and a clean up crew. I haven't got any yet but the lfs I plan on going to quarantines their fish before they will sell them.

Would it be safe for clownfish now or should I wait?

 

[Big G]

Clownfish are commonly used as "first" fish. Pretty hardy fish. Most folks with lots and lots of experience would tell you to only trust your own qt procedures.

 

[jgoad92]

I don't have a quarantine set up and cycled but I figured since those are the only fish I plan on getting it shouldn't matter to much since those are in the same tank together at the shop anyway.

I'll probably do a water change and give it a few days and make sure the levels are still stable then go get the fish. Does that sound like a good plan?

 

[jgoad92]

And also when can I put in some soft corals. I kinda think I want to add a couple in sometime soon

 

[Big G]

And also when can I put in some soft corals. I kinda think I want to add a couple in sometime soon

Sure get some corals in there. Definitely want to dip those corals. Lots of bad bugs come in with them.

 

[Big G]

And also when can I put in some soft corals. I kinda think I want to add a couple in sometime soon

Sure get some corals in there. Definitely want to dip those corals. Lots of bad bugs come in with them. https://aquarium.bulkreefsupply.com/search?w=Coral Dip&asug=

 

[jgoad92]

Ok well I guess hopefully by the end of next week I will have at least the fish maybe some coral in it.

 

[jgoad92]

Any recommendations which corals will be good in my 10 gallon?

 

[Big G]

Any recommendations which corals will be good in my 10 gallon?

Your Clownfish would really like any coral that simulates an anemone. Clowns will host toadstool, frogspawn, hammers, and xenia. Xenias would probably be the easiest and very tempting to keep for beginners but they (xenias) can take over the tank. They grow really fast and are difficult to get rid of. Lot of folks regret introducing them into their tanks.

 

[Big G]

Cleanup crew stuff. These folks are a great source for CUC. They don't have fish in their systems so the chance of some fish disease is extremely small coming in with your cleaner crew. They have a calculator that helps figure out how many of each to use based on your tank size. I like them a lot, great quality and prices: https://www.reefcleaners.org

 

[jgoad92]

Ok. Thanks for all the help so far.

 

[Big G]

I almost forgot my favorite coral that clowns would love to host: Duncans
Enjoy it, you and your fish will do great. Cheers!

 

[jgoad92]

Well is been longer than I wanted but I have finally got something stocked in the tank today. A cleaner shrimp and three small hermit crabs. I will get a couple of clownfish if they ever have them in stock the same time I go in. They sell out quick