Cycling Tank Questions

[joecon]

Hello, I have recently bought a 75 gallon glass tank and am currently in the cycling process. The tank was running for about 2 days before adding 5 damsels to start the cycling process. Upon adding the fish, my clear water became milky cloudy over night. I am aware of bacterial outbreaks, new tank syndrome, etc... but I am surprised that it can get that cloudy in just 8 hours. Tank has been cloudy for 2 days now and no signs of clearing. I was told to NOT do any partial water changes as this will delay the cycling process.

My question is this: Is it normal for my tank to get very cloudy after adding damsels over night?

Only filtration I have is a Emperor Bio Wheel (the biggest they sell). Also, what is a good inexpensive HOT protein skimmer that you can recommend?

Thanks

[The R/C Man]

Welcome to Reefland joecon!!!!!

Other than the bio wheel what other type of filtration do you have for the tank? Have you addded live rock? Most people will use just live rock and a good protein skimmer for a fish only tank. The live rock acts as the biological filtration and the skimmer gets rid of organics. So by using this method the bio wheel can be removed. On that note the best way to cycle a tank is by adding a small piece of shrimp or by adding fish food to the tank as opposed to live fish. The cycle takes a couple weeks and the water gets pretty toxic during this process. You will probably be ok with the chromis as the are very hardy fish. Anyway, I am not sure about the cloudy water. Did you poor the water from the fish store into your tank? If so that could be the source of the problem.

Skimmers: This "filter" is the primary source for organic removal and it is paramount you have a good one. Purchasing one larger than recommended is also a good idea. I use a Aqua C Remora hang-on skimmer on my small tank and it works great... http://www.proteinskimmer.com/ For my new tank I will be using a Barr Aquatic skimmer. http://www.barraquatic.com/ Marine Depot carries Presision Marine which are also good skimmers. http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...dex.asp?CartId= Most of the skimmer require a sump to operate because they need to be at or above the water level to work properly. I hope this helps.... or gets you started anyway...

[joecon]

Thank you for the info! I have a trickle filter i am in the process of setting up with bio balls. the fishstore said this is important for biological filtration. he also said insteaf of bio balls to put live rock in it. is this right?

[The R/C Man]

Yes! Live rock is the way to go. The bio balls are old technology and most people don't use them any more. Just add an inch or two of sand in the bottom then the live rock. You will also be able to add a light and grow macro algae which will also help reduce nitrates. Most peole use a fish tank and convert it for this purpose. Good luck!

[John Hamilton]

Okay I have a 175gl with about 150 lbs live rock, bio balls and a skimmer. All this is a recent set up. I can actually get rid of the balls and turn it into a refugium?

[The R/C Man]

Welcome to Reefland John!!!!!

Yes, loose the bio balls and you will be good to go! Good Luck!