Cycle your saltwater aquarium. Step 1: A new reefer's guide to ammonia and the nitrogen cycle

How do you cycle a saltwater tank? How long does it take to cycle a saltwater aquarium? This is your 5-Minute Guide to cycling and how to avoid the most common problems with a brand new tank!

The fun begins! Follow along while we setup two different types of saltwater tanks that you can do right along with us. Here's your guide to setup a 40gal reef tank or 45gal All-In-One saltwater aquarium.

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[austinbabler]

I added the rock, sand, power heads, and water. Ive also thrown a floating bag of carbon to help keep that water crystal clear. Then dosed a full bottle of instant ocean Bio-Spira. Let the tank cycle water for 3 days and took a test and I was amazed my ammonia was 0 nitrite was 0. My nitrate was a little high so I got a refugium kit coming Thursday. Went to the store and got 2 clowns last night and another bottle of bacteria just because why not and they seem to be doing well so far! These videos are a life saver. I’ve probably watched them all 5-10x thanks for helping me on my journey into Reefing this far!! Now to wait 4 months to get my lights.

[atkinsnatureaquariums]

Thank you for this series. I'm in the process of researching saltwater tanks. Im excited to finally dive into this side of the hobby. Ive only had freshwater aquariums.

[girliepopcornpiggy]

My mistake was not turning off the lights at night. Algae showed up within 4 days. Thank you for the tip.

[Calboyblue]

Hey I enjoy all the 5 min vids ! Few questions !

After adding rock, sand, and water.

What is the time between adding let’s say dr Tim’s all in one and first fish (clown)?

Do I have all my filtration set up at this time ? (Filter floss, chemipure blue, Ect)

When does the first water change come in this process ?

[jakenichols]

You guys have been great! Thank you so much!

[sagrath]

I knew all the things Bryan said, the good news is that I found the deal on what I was looking for, an place my order.

[barrybrown]

Great videos I have learnt a lot. Do you do water changes during the cycling process.?

[debsfollies]

Hi! Just started watching your videos. Very informative! I'm setting up a 55 gallon, 1st time reef tank owner. I'm scared but excited all at once!! I do have a question about tank covers. I've noticed you don't have them on your tabks. I've been trying to find one for my size tank, but with fail!! Is a lid top necessary for a reef tank!!

[mikeschuman]

I made the mistake of using tap water unfiltered water is good where I am but the ro water made a huge difference weekly 25% water changes as well

[danialbrett]

So the only mechanical filter on these tanks are the protein skimmers and the biological filter is the live rock? Great series so far guys :)

[lovermansmith]

I'm Loving the series. . Ya gonna add some coralline algae in a bottle ? What kind of Grande palys are those on the video title ? Be cool to put them in the tanks

[kentrahollins]

Hey I had a question I started a 65 gallon saltwater tank and am struggling with the nitrate. I have zero ammonia, zero nitrite, and then my nitrate is about 30. I have added bacteria and I have two clown fish. How do I get my nitrate down?

[antoniosmaldore]

Hi all
I've 100 gallons reef tank that run since a lot of years.
I want to change all my 100% rocks with new reefscspe with dry roch
Which products and how do I must proceed?

[worldtravelin]

What I would like to know is, was the protein skimmer and refugium lights also kept off for 4 months? I'm cycling a brand new tank. When should I turn these components on?

[Jzzo]

Thank you for this awesome guide. This really helps a newcomer. One question I havent been able to find answer to is can I use Microbacter 7 to do safe fish-in cycle since it is dormant bacteria? In Europe live nitrifying bacteria is not really a thing and cant get hold of that. I am setting up 65 gallon reef tank and planning to use MB7 (which is readily available). I was planning to cycle with 2 small clownfish but really dont want to subject them to suffering or death because of incorrect bacterial addative. Should I just use some other ammonia source instead? Using dry rock and sand.

[sameulallard]

When you say before you turn the lights on do you literally mean before you turn the lights on. Sorry if this is a dumb question.

[JelXD]

is start XLM a newer concentrated version of microbacter 7?

[JoJoMONOs]

Can i use API quick start instead of Dr. tims as i can't get doctor tims

[spoodle]

So you're saying you can add fish right away? I'm confused, I thought you were supposed to wait like at least two weeks to a month before adding fish?

[timmytbets]

So I ordered 40 pounds of Reef Saver Aquarium Dry Live Rock - MarcoRocks off your website. Will I need to do more before adding the clownfish? I know I probably should've spent a little more on the wet rock.