Do I need to kick start the cycling process?

[Drakan]

Just setup my FOWLR aquarium(live rock, live sand and all the proper equipment). Everything's running perfect. in the process of cycling. the Ammonia went slightly up after 2 days, from 0.125 to 0.25. All other parameters are stable(ph 8.3, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 2.5, SG 1.022).

Does the slight rise in ammonia I mentioned suggest that the tank has started the cycling process, or do I need to kick start the process in some way?

[leebca]

I'd say things are coming along nicely. A build up of ammonia isn't to unusual, since the set of bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrites are often the slowest of the group of bacteria to establish themselves and 'get to work.' When they 'explode' they will put the burden on the next set of bacteria -- the ones that convert nitrite to nitrates. When and if this happens, you may see elevated nitrites for a time, with very little ammonia.

Follow along with this guideline as much as you can: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

Good luck!

[Drakan]

Well Lee, after 4 nights from my setup, number 9 on your "SEQUENCE OF THE SET UP" came to "life".

Besides the worms and snails that I found all around the tank, I was pleasantly surprised to see a very small Brittle Star on my glass! I did not expect to come home to a what I initially thought was a starfish in my tank.



I attached/linked this picture in hopes that someone can tell me what type of Brittle Star this is and how big can I expect it to grow, so I can decide if I can keep it or give it/sell it to my LFS. Right now, it is about 1 inch long. Also, what should I feed it?

[leebca]

A better picture is needed for a more reliable identification. However this is one of those things you might want to consider removing from your aquarium.

Some do grow very large (a foot or more), some set up 'traps' for other marine lifeforms (mostly fish) and attack fish, and some (especially the larger ones) tend to freak people out.

If it's one of this group (mentioned above) it will eat meaty seafoods.

I'm conservative and would remove it if it was my intention to keep fish and other inverts. But this is by no means anything more than my opinion.

Post this picture in a new thread in the Reef Forum for others, more knowledgeable to see.

[Drakan]

I am also conservative. I'll be bringing it to my LFS tonight. Thanks again Lee.