How To Cycle A Reef Aquarium

[@kalex00e]

The one word in this hobby that can't be over used is PATIENCE!!! New people in this hobby (like myself when I first started) can get tired of hearing this word, but it is the most important word in this whole hobby. Keep up the good work! Love watching your videos.

[@MattSouthJersey]

Awesome video. I'm thinking of starting a saltwater tank and have watched a million of these videos to try and figure out the details and how things like cycling work. It's funny how so many of these videos say "for beginners" yet they leave out all the details of the process. These guys are more concerned with their youtube "schtick". Here's a video with no fancy schtick or production, just basic facts and details. Love it. This is the 1st video to tip the scales to actually going forward with the tank. Thanks!

[@ChaseMontana1]

That's what I am in the process of doing right now. Your videos are highly informational and appreciated for beginners like me. Thanks.

[@vfhappyf3251]

hello newyorksteelo i´ve just put togeter a 65 galon reef with sump and a refugium above the tank, i use to have a small 60 l for a year, and i´ve been watching your videos for about a year, i´ve learned so much, i´ve been learning to put it together propably, thanks to your educational videos, i live in the azores in the midle of the atlantic, so i whant to thank u very much for your videos and please keep them coming thanks to u i can have a piece of nature in my home.

[@therealeliteking1]

Hey steelo. I am a huge fan I watch your videos everyday. I have been having saltwater aquariums since I was in 5th grade

[@rglewis49]

I just had to come back and watch this video again. Im on day 17 with my 55, and i woke up this morning with diatoms!! And my first sign of life, copepods EVERYWHERE!! I never thought i would be so excited to see my tank turn brown. LOL. Thanks for this video Steelo, i probably would have freaked out if you wouldnt have explained all of this in this video.

[@tang_nabbitchannel3898]

Best cycling video I have ever seen! The most honest approach love it!

[@tattoooedlex]

just started my first marine aquarium, so far any concerns i have had have been put to ease by you, so very much thanks. just set up three weeks ago, and three days ago yhe diatoms took over. of course i freaked. but once again you have answered my concerns. glad to know u are out here

[@karinebirigui]

Thanks for the answer! I actually been cycling it for 18 days now and yep i have tested amonia/nitrite/nitrate since the very first day and now all the levels are in the safe zone!

[@philiphender]

hey NYS.. reading some of the comments... definately patience IS the key. Not only for the 'living ocean' your establishing, but also in the purchase of the equipment as well! and not just any equipment, the right equipment for each unique setup! Great Vids! keep'em coming. I like your channel and Mr.SW as you both are consistent with posting vids...

[@kinslow94]

Im new to the hobby, and am setting up a 125g sw aquarium. Thanks for this series of videos, I will begin my cycle in the next two weeks.

[@Niknooo1]

HI, great video. I am cycling my new 180 gal tank at the moment. I added 65 Kg of live rock 10 days ago, and my ammonia and nitrite readings gradually went off the scale chart. But yesterday my ammonia and nitrite readings have started to drop, and I see the start of the brown diatoms beginning. I think the whole process is very exciting, how great is nature! looking forward to your clean up crew update, as I need to sort some out soon.

[@Rolandofishtank]

Awesome video buddy. You have the best saltwater channel in KZbin, you videos are pack with lots on info and best of all there easy to understand. KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB

[@acs197]

I'm thinking about getting into the hobby sometime soon and I've found your videos very helpful. Thanks again!

[@ChrisCDXX]

dude, everything ive learned about building my tank i learned from you! just bought a 180 gallon

[@Loganthebest-Noahthegoat]

Glad I ran into you and your vids! Just started a 40 gallon tank yesterday! I have live rock and live sand! Your video helped me out alot! thanks!

[@charlesavec]

Hi there. Your videos are as always great. My 2 foot cube is just about ending its cycle. Nitrate going down, probably due to my miracle mud maturing. I look at every video you do and the info I gather is really good. Thank you so much. Regards John

[@johnmccarley9997]

I wish I had seen your series when I started. Everything you explained happened to me and I lost money and time. The main reason was lack of patience. After about 11 months the water balanced out perfectly much to my surprise. Now I'm starting to enjoy the tank rather than regret it. I now test the water maybe once a week and water change every 2 to 3 weeks vs. test every 3 days and change every week. This hobby is definitely not a race. Take the advice of those that have been in the game for a while. It will save you a lot of heart ache and money!!!!

[@newyorksteelo]

+John McCarley Awesome. Glad to hear it. I agree with you wholeheartedly.

[@Stitchesnstaplez]

Thanks man! I'm cycling my tank now. Good to know about the algae process! I didn't hear anything about that so yeah, I would have been scrubbing the rocks.

[@skingwellfoofighter]

Dude!! Great advice, thank you...I'm just about to set up my first tank and your videos are great..I've read everything you could imagine but your videos are clear and concise...nice work!!

[@newyorksteelo]

Thank you.

[@MARKLINMAN1]

I just found your channel it is one of the best on saltwater systems on youtube bar none., very informative and precise which i like, I am also from the Bronx and will be starting a 75 gallon that i have empty into a saltwater FOWLR type tank. It is my smallest tank as i also have a 180 gallon with FRONTOSA and a 90 gallon with malawi cichlids, if all goes well with the 75 and i can keep it going for 6 months to a year i may convert my 180 to saltwater.

[@beneva34]

really good video. just finished my first cycle this helped explain a lot.

[@BottomCoastReefs]

Lol I didn't just jump straite into this hobby without a lil research so I know the basic do's and don'ts... thanks for your help man keep up the good work and with a little luck ill have my tank lookin as good as yours

[@ERICTLG]

Very informative and thanks for the awesome video! I am starting up my firts reef tank. Today is day 2. Going to have to try the live rock. right now I just have Live sand mixed with crushed coral and filtration.

[@roadhogtri]

Hey, I really enjoy your videos, thanks for taking the time to make them. Today I set up my 65g with a diy sump. I used some live rock that I bought about two years ago from a local guy. I kept it in a tub with live sand, pump and occasionally fed it with fish food. My ro/di water reads 0 nitrates and when I placed the live rock with the live sand from the tub, it reads 20 ppm and ammonia .25 ppm. My rock does have some of that brown diatom, but not much.

[@Moonsul2178]

Mr. Steelo! I will be moving this coming summer and I want to prepare myself by gathering information on how to move an established reef tank without causing a (mini) cycle. I'm 100% sure that this is a common occurrence so a lot of people would appreciate if you can make a video on this topic, if not I would still appreciate your feedback on this. Thanks alot.

[@Samkitaro]

Wow! Very prompt answer! Thanks a lot buddy, you are a splendid educator:)

[@pisaryan3108]

Your vids are the best on youtube!!!!! Keep up the great work man! I just started my first marine tank it's a 55 gal. I get all my info from your vids! Thanx man !!!

[@Freedomkwok]

Such detail and good explanation to the beginner!!

[@JunkyardTavern]

Awesome info. My tank is at this stage but my water is very cloudy. I can't wait till its over. Will peak at your other videos for more great info. thanks.

[@g3ddan]

Thanks, added the clean up crew and things are coming along fine. I'll leave it a month then add a few things and so on. Great posts, thanks.

[@jwalker43081]

great video man will definetly help out in newbies coming into the hobby...glad your tank is coming along for you...

[@capspath83]

Thanks for the help Steelo. I am going to wait to do a water change, and have been using a turkey baster to blow the bubbles off of the rock. It seems to be doing the trick. Hopefully it will stabilize in the next few weeks.

[@bubbaluv00]

love all your videos new to the saltwater community

[@WHY70122]

most awesome vid on this topic I've seen so far. I got a few emergency questions for you please. I'm buying a used saltwater aquarium in the next few days. The aquarium is being used just as normal because the owner wanna keep all the rocks and sand alive. If I can somehow take all the water along with the tank, will I need to cycle my tank or I'm good to go right after I got it set up? And if I can't take the water, what should i do first? please help me out, I'm getting the tank very soon.

[@Fast50s101tat]

There it is! I couldn't find it for the life of me. Thanks man and yes it helped me out a lot.

[@lukalalala]

Steelo, you have inspired me and so I started my first ever aquarium. It is a jbj 28 nano system so it will be tougher, but I like a challenge. It is day 8 and diatoms started to appear last night. I used "cured" live rock, same sand you use and biospira. two days ago ammonia dropped to zero, nitrites at .25, nitrates were 25 now around 15. I keep lights on for about 11 hours a day. luke.

[@ronnierobino422]

Very helpful topic, very good guide for those newbie in this hobby like me,thanks man,and more power...

[@atticus27]

Awesome Thank you! that question was what's holding me back from starting. so from what I understand is: No water change just top offs? Also, should I put in the sand for it to cycle as well or when the cycle is finished? Thank you so much

[@Deestar8923]

hey NYS! I'm in the process of ordering my clean up crew, and I'm a little clueless? im doing a 90 gal DSB reef tank and was wondering what my clean up crew should include? thanks NYS, your videos are the best of the best!!!

[@vault542]

Newyorksteelo i love your videos they are very informational thank you for the time you put in them. So i have watched several of your videos and i want to know you say take your time i think i have, so ive cycled my tank for about a month now and i had the brown algae and tt went away now a few weeks later i have the green algae, i did not add the clean up crew to my tank yet, so if i do now can i add fish or do i wait for the tank to stabalize after the clean up crew is done?

[@orlandogutierrez1820]

First of all I like too say your videos gave become very educational..for some one like me that does not have all the experience ..with refugiums and live rock..question ? What's the differnce from Fiji live rock and others....

[@Deestar8923]

Hey NYS love the videos!! I'm starting a 90gal reef tank and I'm about to get my live rock and live sand but I saw in your video that you only had live Rock is there a reason for that or does it matter? And also should I fully setup my sump and refuge fully or wait till after the cycle proses ? Thank you NYS keep the videos coming you are truly awesome.!!

[@Mzkrijsta]

Very informative! Thanks! Starting to cycle my 30 gallon. Putting in some live rock tomorrow

[@reeferdreamer805]

Hey Steelo just had a few questions, wondering if there is a video on your clean up crew, I know you mentioned you would but havent found it. Also your opinion on Lbs of live rock per gallon. Apologies if these questions have been answered before, if so just point me in the right direction! Thanks a ton and keep up the stellar work!

[@reptilejones]

The info in this video is a great deal of help, Thanks!

[@javier91782]

very helpful. thanks bro,my tank is looking good now.i had some nitrates one day and the were gone the next and they are back today. my ph is 8.0 everything else looks good on my tank i got rid of all the diatoms on my glass and the 2 mp40 cleared debris asap. they are awesome pumps. just waiting for it to cycle to purchase some clean up crew. thanks again.

[@pilotSSW]

Thanks! I appreciate it, anything in particular I should know about rock after it's been cured?

[@mannydouhnut]

Wow I love your vids! I've watched them all and I am currently goin back through and goin through them all

[@irosh2000]

I’m setting up my tank. This is very important video for me. Do you recommend for me to check water after adding live rock for ammonia and nitrate daily.

[@djjoelb48]

hey bro, thanks for all your responses. much appreciated. another question though lol, do I have to do a water change after the cycle? my cycle is about done.....i think....ammonia at 0, nitrite going down from 5, now at .25. Nitrate currently at approx. 25ppm. So should I do a water change?

[@jeanpierregiraldo695]

I subscribed becuase you explain everything in detail

[@tamadan93]

Hey newyorksteelo, My tank is one week into its cycle. Some of the water had come from the pet store. The livesand and liverock was previously used in a cycled tank. I am starting to see algea growth all over my tank but thanks to the video I understand thats normal. Hopefully it does not last long :) planning to get a cleanup crew from liveaquaria soon.

[@latinpapie]

Hey steelo! Are you still planning on releasing a video on how to setup a refugium? Your videos are the best!!

[@waddellsk]

NYS, thanks so much for all of you're awesome videos. I am at the point in my new 75 gallon tank to get my live rock and start my N cycle. 3 questions... 1. Can I put my live deep sand bed in at the same time with my live rock at the beginning of the cycle? 2. Do I need or could it be beneficial to dose my aquarium with calcium, alkalinity, and other elements before the cycle at all? 3. When did you add the cheatomorpha to the refugium? Thanks again for all of your videos.

[@therealeliteking1]

Hey steelo I love your videos. I watch them all the time I have had saltwater aquariums since I was in 5th grade, I am in 10th grade now and I have had 20 gallon nanos 30 gallons and 55 is what I have now, I am looking in the getting a 90 gallon reef system with a large sump Refugium, I was wondering if I took my 2 month old water from my 55 gallon and added the rest with a premixed water. Could I get corals a lot sooner? Wouldn't that just be like a big water change?

[@nickbee3741]

Should the tank be cycled with live rock only, or can I add the DSB and live rock at the same time? Do you have a video covering the order of operations for setting up a new tank? Thanks for the help!!

[@beholder1972]

thanks Steelo, its great to get the proper instructions since where i live not too many people give you the right advice, i dont have anything in it right now just live rock like your video but i will take your advice and get a good cleanup crew, any advise of which ones will help? :) thanks again

[@romanstarostin927]

Hi Steelo Thank you for providing greate useful info for beginners. Got a question for you. I plan to buy Fiji uncurred live rock and sand for my new 120g tank. I plan to scrub and wash it a bit before putting into tank to cycle. how bad it will stink giving that tank is in the living room? thank you

[@smh2546]

Hi Steelo I'm starting a 30g reef tank and I would like to know your opinion on weather to have the lights on or off during the cycling process? Thanks for your vlogs they are a huge help.

[@gaffi88]

Thank you for your videos! I am building my first saltwater tank bit by bit and they are helping me to understand what needs to be done ;). I do have one question though, should the output of the skimmer pump water to the section of the sump where I have my return pump?

[@bksdiesel76]

Nice video Steelo, I looked those rocks up online, pretty nice! And IMO, the video is on point. I should be gettingmy 2nd mp10W es 2morrow, something about synching waves from opposides of the display just sounds awesome, a def good move in securing any dead spots issues,thanks for making the videos on the wave makers. The refugium should be built by next Friday. Still have lots to do, anyway keep up the great videos.

[@mofoglenn333]

hey, good video man. nice to see so much passion in your videos. good job. i look forward to all your videos. keep it up!

[@mrsquirtsalot]

Thanks for all the Info! Im new to marine aquariums and im setting up a new 30G Biocube. Got 40lbs of Arag-alive and Nutri-Sea water. Question Would there be a difference if i use Pre-cured or Non-cured live rock? Do I still have to cycle the tank? Thanks.

[@ferrark1]

Great video how long do you leave your refugium light on thanks

[@djjustinpitlik]

I've had my saltwater aquarium for about 2 months. I put some live rock in it, and a clown fish in only 2 weeks after. I didn't know at the time, but it was probably too early. He's still alive and very well, and I have a goby fire fish as well. I would like to put a sea anemone in next. What would you recommend, and is it too early?

[@abraun248]

Love your videos!! Do you run your protein skimmer the entire time you are cycling your tank, or after a certain amount of time? Thanks for all the videos.

[@waddellsk]

Thanks once again for all you're videos. I am copying your system as much as possible in my 75 gallon system.... Question: Where can I get that light fixture you have on your refugium? I can't find a good one for me and it's driving me crazy. Thanks again.

[@tomcalvert436]

Hi steelo. My tank has been cycling for 3 days with uncured live rock as recommended. How soon into the cycle should I add the chaetomorpha to the refugium? Also, I have added my sand to create a DSB, unfortunately I will need to add more as it is only 3.5 inches. Can I just add the extra on top? I'm not sure if I will cause a problem by trapping organic matter doing this. Thanks in advance.

[@516bivs]

Just looking at the rear glass of your tank... Did you put a colored background (blue) or was this already on your tank? I am starting a new tank and just drilled the rear for plumbing to the sump... I am looking to put a solid color background on my tank to hide the pvc tubing. Most likely going to put a piece of vinyl there. Wasn't sure if I should use black or a blue similar to what you have. Please advise

[@iliriano6]

great info steelo, what size clean up crude do you think is right for a 46 g with about 70lbs live and dry rock. tank enter the nitrogen cycle already.

[@scrowin]

Steelo, I moved a 90 gallon established tank with a couple fish in it. Once it was set up I tested all water perimeters and things looked good. About 10 days after the move the brown algae bloomed like crazy and just in the last two days the green took over. This sounds like a tank cycling. I did make a change to the system, originally it was set up with a canister filter and a protein skimmer hanging off the back. I added a refugium to get gear below. What happened? 160 lbs of live rock & sand

[@almfoto]

Great Video and Thanks! I'm new to SW and have just, yesterday (2-12-2013) started my tank. Its 10G w/10lbs of sand and 5 lbs of Live Rock. I'm adding more rock tonight. Do I need to do anything else to kick off the cycle. If I understood your video I have only to wait and get good with adj. the chemistry. Any response is appreciated, thanks in advance.

[@jtyreetex]

Steelo I love your videos. Very educational. My question is: I am starting a new reef tank and am wondering when you add the tank clean up crew? The tank is 100 gallons and has about 80 to 90 pounds of LR. Some of the LR came with the tank and 60 pounds I bought from someone shutting down a 210 gal tank. I has red alge on it and is very alive. I also put between 3 and 4" of live sand. Not a full deep bed yet. Also how many snails in a 100 gal tank? Thanks again

[@dubsacatak9894]

Thanks steelo, all ur help is much appreciated

[@newyorksteelo]

Your welcome.

[@edweirdo21]

Hi newyorksteelo, do we have to on the protein skimmer while doing the water cycle?

[@tomcalvert436]

Hi steelo. Great video once again. I am setting up a FOWLR system with a 4 inch deep sand bed. After adding the uncured live rock, do I need to do any water changes while the system is cycling or do I let the sand bed do the work? I've heard the smell can be quite bad. Is there a maximum time live rock can be left uncured before it is detrimental to the system? Thanks in advance.

[@Kanyonkhuu]

Hey man I have a biocube HQI I was wondering if I turn on the protein skimmer while cycling?

[@raeisi70]

hey man thanks for the informative videos they're great , so I was wondering what do i do with the evaporated water during cycle? should I leave it and not add any water until the cycle is done ? and I also wanted to know if the lights need to be on during cycle or not ?

[@04jaywilli1975]

I really find your videos very informative. I recently purchased a saltwater aquarium setup from craigslist. The aquarium was running when I picked it up. The water wasn't saved but the live rock and sand was. The filter that came with it still has the water from the aquarium in it. The sand and live rock as well. I'm sure some of the beneficials died off the rock. I added new ro water to the aquarium. Any idea how long it might take to cycle? Being that it has some established sand, rock, media

[@christina12397]

I'm working on my first saltwater tank an been researching for to months before I try anything your video is the most informative I've Ever come across!! Thank you I'm subscribing :-) one quick question should I add the sand first or rock? I've herd put the whole bag in tank then water then cut open bag also I herd add rock first then sand around I don't kno witch way is best

[@Moonsul2178]

Thank you for your prompt response. The reason I asked if my type of cycling considered as "cycling with live rock" if I only have 3 pounds of cured live rock?" is because I want to know should I add source of ammonia or I would have enough die off from the cured live rock that I bought? I checked my water last night and it gave me 0,0,0 so I added a dead shrimp in there to start the ammonia. Is the dead shrimp necessary?

[@XxProducitonsxX]

i love your videos, I'm new to the hobby and you've been such a major help. thanks for helping this newbie out =]

[@Tracy2205]

Hey great video good useful info. I bought live rick with coraline algea on it already its been a week my ammonia and nitrites are 0 and my nitrates are 10ppm jus wanna now is this normal in your opinion. i'm tryin to do this proper so i plan to let it sit for atleast a month before i add any animals to it.

[@GalaxyRN]

Do you need to have lights on during the cycle process? Or can you do the cycle process without lighting? Thanks for the awesome videos!

[@nanaimonucks]

Steeeelo tank is looking good! You must be stoked! Got my fuge without DSB, just rock and chaeto. Would you add a clean up crew for this type of fuge? If so, what kind of snails and crabs? Purpose is to soak up nitrates and breed pods? Thanks

[@kalex00e]

@newyorksteelo yes it will. I was a very impatient person before I stated this hobby. Since then, I have became a patient person all due to this wonderful hobby. When you see what you can create due to patience, it will teach you to be that way always.

[@SuperIgnitus]

Hello Steelo! Quick question. I bought cured rock and set up a deep sand bed with a hang on refugium. I added a dead shrimp as you have suggested in the comments below. What i was wondering is how long do i leave the shrimp in the tank for? Do i just let it completely decompose?

[@Samkitaro]

Your videos are remarkable! I am from a tropical country. What is the maximum degree of warmth can the system tolerate? Tq so much in advance

[@beholder1972]

thanks for the info steelo, very educational videos keep up the good work!

[@melpat07]

love this vid. I must ask you I have only live sand in my aquarium. Its been 2 weeks and yes I do have green sand now. Say that my cycle is finish or allmost would it be ok for me to put in aged live rock in my tank and add fish or I have to wait for the live rock to do the same thing as the sand.

[@roadhogtri]

Hey steelo, which video is do you explain about the cleanup crew? I've got the diatom algae and just stating to get green algae. Thank.

[@Bechertanks]

@newyorksteelo thanks man i learn alot from your videos keep it up man and i like your set up

[@Lawst-1]

Hey again steelo just saying thanks again your videos are very informative I commented two weeks ago on my new 55 gallon set up and I believe its true my tank did cycle rather quickly because ive been at 0 ammonia 0 nitrite and 40 ppm nitrate since day one and it has been stable since its been about 14 days and everything looks great the tank is undergoing diatom bloom right now ive got a maroon clown bi color dottyback flame hawk an they are all doing great.

[@mrsquirtsalot]

Am I going to need to do a water change after the tank cycles if I use Nutrisea water? and when can I set up the Refugium? Thanks.

[@charlie62516]

i water tested the tank last night and it showe the ammonia levels were at btween 1,0 and 2,0 ppm anh the nitrates were at around 5.0 is this a sine that the cycle is happening as there was a slight amount of dicey that was able to happen from the live rock also added some bacteria from my fresh water tank to boost it and also using a trical filter and then 2 other power heads so there should be plenty places for the bacteria to grow ? whats your advice ?

[@Thechoof09]

Hi after some advise.Bought new fluval m90 tank and nitrites are 5ppm now for 21 days,no ammonia ph around 8.1 to 8.2.Nitrites don't seem to want to come down

[@mikerosenbloom9987]

hey, i got a question about anemones. I have a tank thats been running since july, and i want to get my first anemone, but beforehand i wanted to make sure the water was good to go, and a nitrate test says i have 5 PPM of nitrate. is this too high for an anemone? i know ill probably have to do a water change later today.

[@MercedesAMGsRULE]

this video is fantastic. I'm curing my first piece of live rock. the amount of people that have told me to do full water changes. my 2 kgs of live rock with 20 litres of water and begun cycling. i put a power head in there to circulate the water, but a shrimp came out of the rock and was stuck on it. I changed the pump for a air stone to circulate the water and the shrimp has survived so far, and a small clam has also appeared and seems to be well.

[@bjorker40]

Awesome informative video! I learned so much from you so far!