Question on cycling process - help needed :)

[Eudaceous]

Dear All,

I have a few questions. Would appreciate it if you can assist.

1) Do I need to switch my skimmer, UV off when I am cycling?

2) Do I need to do a complete water change once by NH4, N02 becomes zero?

3) Are bioballs really nitrate factory? Can I use them in the IOS overflow box?

4) Why do people use kalk?

5) Should I consider miracle mud in my sump, refugerium compartment?

Thank you all for your help. I am a newbie starting on my five footer. Has given up on my Nano 2 feet coz parameters run like mad. I am hoping to do cyclling textbook style...will wait as long I can to have a matured tank before plonking in LFS and corals. Really could use all the assistance you can give. I live in central part of Singapore. (near IKEA) . If you are keen you can join me in setting this monster up.

Regards.

[nakazoru]

Dear All,

I have a few questions. Would appreciate it if you can assist.

1) Do I need to switch my skimmer, UV off when I am cycling?

2) Do I need to do a complete water change once by NH4, N02 becomes zero?

3) Are bioballs really nitrate factory? Can I use them in the IOS overflow box?

4) Why do people use kalk?

5) Should I consider miracle mud in my sump, refugerium compartment?

Thank you all for your help. I am a newbie starting on my five footer. Has given up on my Nano 2 feet coz parameters run like mad. I am hoping to do cyclling textbook style...will wait as long I can to have a matured tank before plonking in LFS and corals. Really could use all the assistance you can give. I live in central part of Singapore. (near IKEA) . If you are keen you can join me in setting this monster up.

Regards.

1) Do I need to switch my skimmer, UV off when I am cycling?

I will switch them off

2) Do I need to do a complete water change once by NH4, N02 becomes zero?

No I will not do complete water change but 25%

3) Are bioballs really nitrate factory? Can I use them in the IOS overflow box?

Yes they are but regular maintenance will keep them in check.

4) Why do people use kalk?

For coral of course, I suspect. I dun use

5) Should I consider miracle mud in my sump, refugerium compartment?

I dun use I as I dun have refugerium, but hear it not a bad idea if you know what you doing or have in refugerium.

Good luck

[Kelmen]

1. for simplicity - dont run them when cycling, else they will drag your cycling period.

2. unless you have problem after the cycling period, like massive nuisance (bad algae + bacteria) things strike. Small portion water chg would be sufficient.

3. they are in run long. Espeically if you put them in IOS, as air contact will increase the nitrate output later.

You can do that during your cycling period (speed-up). After that, put them fully submerge in water (eg. in sump).

4. kalk -> calcium supplement, mostly and heavily needed by stony coral.

5. if you got the $ to burn, you may consider them. But not a necessity.

HTH

[Alvin Tan]

pls note that what i put below is solely my opinion

1) Do I need to switch my skimmer, UV off when I am cycling?

No

2) Do I need to do a complete water change once by NH4, N02 becomes zero?

No...i change 15% with saltmix - tropic marin

3) Are bioballs really nitrate factory? Can I use them in the IOS overflow box?

No..having a pre filter on top of the IOS box will be sufficient..

4) Why do people use kalk?

do maintain the calcium level which is mainly for corals...i dun use it...only use seachem raises calcium powder.

5) Should I consider miracle mud in my sump, refugerium compartment?

It is not necessary....glass rings can be replaced..but of cuz..having pre filter also..