Cycling the water in my tank

[William Dennis Lang]

I keep hearing everyone talk about cycling the water in a saltwater tank. What it seems like the cycle that I have read about is changing the water out. Every other weekend I add water(fresh) to my tank because of evaporation(I use fresh water because the salt doesn't evaporate). Would this adding water due to the evaporation be considered a form of cycling the water? Note: When I say "cycling" I am not referring to the biological cycle that a tank goes through before it is reef and fish ready. Thanks

[Reefing Madness]

I keep hearing everyone talk about cycling the water in a saltwater tank. What it seems like the cycle that I have read about is changing the water out. Every other weekend I add water(fresh) to my tank because of evaporation(I use fresh water because the salt doesn't evaporate). Would this adding water due to the evaporation be considered a form of cycling the water? Note: When I say "cycling" I am not referring to the biological cycle that a tank goes through before it is reef and fish ready. Thanks

Nope, its just fillin the tank. Water changes on the other hand are a different thing. 10% a week or 25% a month, with saltwater, not just freshwater top offs.

[reeferbill]

+1 you are referring to replacing evaporated water/top off water and usually is or should be from a RODI Unit!

[kevinpo]

Hello,
The cycle of marine tanks refers to the establishment of bacteria populations equal to the biological load to prevent the buildup of nitrogen compounds to toxic levels. Any other reference to cycle in the marine aquarium is incorrect/inaccurate. The vast majority of these beneficial bacteria populations live on the surface of things in your tank. These things would include glass, substrate, and rocks. These bacteria do not require light but do require water, food, and oxygen.

Regards,
Kevin

[William Dennis Lang]

Hello,
The cycle of marine tanks refers to the establishment of bacteria populations equal to the biological load to prevent the buildup of nitrogen compounds to toxic levels. Any other reference to cycle in the marine aquarium is incorrect/inaccurate. The vast majority of these beneficial bacteria populations live on the surface of things in your tank. These things would include glass, substrate, and rocks. These bacteria do not require light but do require water, food, and oxygen.

Regards,
Kevin

Thanks guys but what I was referring to was for instance, I read someone saying something about doing a 10% water change(I meant "change" not "cycle"...sorry) and I was wandering what the details of doing a water change are. I'm assuming I will have to put water in a bucket and add salt to the water in the bucket because when I remove water from the tank it will take some salt out of the tank with it correct?

[Reefing Madness]

Thanks guys but what I was referring to was for instance, I read someone saying something about doing a 10% water change(I meant "change" not "cycle"...sorry) and I was wandering what the details of doing a water change are. I'm assuming I will have to put water in a bucket and add salt to the water in the bucket because when I remove water from the tank it will take some salt out of the tank with it correct?

Mix up the water you are going to be using 24hours in advance. Let sit and come to temperature.

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

Here's an in depth article about water changes. It's a good read and has lots of information. How to Make a Successful Water Change

[William Dennis Lang]

Here's an in depth article about water changes. It's a good read and has lots of information. How to Make a Successful Water Change

Thanks for the useful Hyperlink