darndamsel Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 HI there, I just add the water to my live sand and rock in my IM fusion 20 tank and turned on the pump and heater to begin cycling. However, (as you might have heard) the stock pump is really loud and headache inducing. I've ordered another one but do I have to keep the stock on for the few days before the new one arrives, or will the cycling process be fine if I turn it off (at least while we're in the living room with it)? THanks Quote Link to comment
that_one_brodie Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 From what I know you have to keep the pump on. That way the beneficial bacteria doesn't die. If the pump isn't on then there is no filtration or water movement for the bacteria. I would just keep the pump off for now and turn it back on after you replace the stock pump. What you could do is just dose ammonia now and let it sit there. Not sure how much that would do for the cycling process. Quote Link to comment
darndamsel Posted February 26, 2019 Author Share Posted February 26, 2019 1 hour ago, that_one_brodie said: From what I know you have to keep the pump on. That way the beneficial bacteria doesn't die. If the pump isn't on then there is no filtration or water movement for the bacteria. I would just keep the pump off for now and turn it back on after you replace the stock pump. What you could do is just dose ammonia now and let it sit there. Not sure how much that would do for the cycling process. Okay, thanks I might just turn it off for a few hours in the eve and otherwise run it. Damn, it's loud! For cycling I'm using live sand and added 20lbs of Carib south sea base rock. Was thinking of just cycling with that setup and not adding anything to further speed it up. But who know I might get impatient 🙂 Quote Link to comment
SliceGolfer Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Are you using any media in the rear chambers for biological filtration? If not, then move the heater to the display area and circulate the water with a powerhead (if you have one available) until the new pump arrives. Quote Link to comment
darndamsel Posted February 26, 2019 Author Share Posted February 26, 2019 15 minutes ago, SliceGolfer said: Are you using any media in the rear chambers for biological filtration? If not, then move the heater to the display area and circulate the water with a powerhead (if you have one available) until the new pump arrives. No, no media yet. Do I need biological filtration at this point? There's the live sand so I was thinking that was the bio filtration. I don't have a powerhead. Good point thought, if I move the pump to the main tank I could probably position it to be quieter. Quote Link to comment
Clown79 Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Your liverock is the bio filter. Carbon and gloss can be used during cycling, floss being a good option. Yes the pump must be run 24/7, it's your filtration method and the water sitting in the back going stagnant will lead to issues. Pumps need a breaking in period, they get quieter as they are in use. Quote Link to comment
MainelyReefer Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Keep your pump on Quote Link to comment
darndamsel Posted February 26, 2019 Author Share Posted February 26, 2019 14 hours ago, Clown79 said: Your liverock is the bio filter. Carbon and gloss can be used during cycling, floss being a good option. Yes the pump must be run 24/7, it's your filtration method and the water sitting in the back going stagnant will lead to issues. Pumps need a breaking in period, they get quieter as they are in use. I have the filter socks on at the moment. I'll try and leave it on and hopefully it becomes more quiet. Quote Link to comment
Clown79 Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 It will take time to break in but keeping the pump off will give you issues you don't want 1 Quote Link to comment
darndamsel Posted February 26, 2019 Author Share Posted February 26, 2019 Was thinking I could cover the back part of the tank where the pump is during the day (so not to disturb my wife who works from home) with a blanket and move the heater to the main tank (so there's no fire hazard). Quote Link to comment
Clown79 Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 Unless the blanket is on the heater there should be no issue. The heater should be in the chamber where the water level doesn't evaporate so it stays emerged at all times. Quote Link to comment
Sancho Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 What kind of noise is this? Is it just the vibriations oscillating through the glass? Or is it the water flow that’s making you crazy? You could use some neoprene under the pump...buy a cheap yoga mat or something similar cut it to fit under the pump base the will definitely help to displace some of the vibrations Quote Link to comment
KISReef Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 On 2/25/2019 at 4:20 PM, mbrownshoes said: HI there, I just add the water to my live sand and rock in my IM fusion 20 tank and turned on the pump and heater to begin cycling. However, (as you might have heard) the stock pump is really loud and headache inducing. I've ordered another one but do I have to keep the stock on for the few days before the new one arrives, or will the cycling process be fine if I turn it off (at least while we're in the living room with it)? THanks You need to oxygenate the water for the aerobic bacteria. I would leave the pump on and circulate the water and keep the flow moving. Invest in some ear plugs for the time being, or go down to your LFS and by a cheap quiet pump. Or, drain the back sump and use a air stone (if you have one handy) in the main tank along with your biological filter media. Quote Link to comment
darndamsel Posted February 27, 2019 Author Share Posted February 27, 2019 Is there any rush to start doing the water tests or can I wait a few days? Quote Link to comment
darndamsel Posted February 27, 2019 Author Share Posted February 27, 2019 Also, if you know of any good forum articles about cycling or beginning in general please pass on the link. Thanks, folks are so helpful to noobies here! Quote Link to comment
KISReef Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 3 minutes ago, mbrownshoes said: Is there any rush to start doing the water tests or can I wait a few days? Nope, no rush at all. I was just thinking about your pump. Try cutting a piece of sponge and put it underneath it. Hopefully that will quiet it down? Worth a shot. 1 Quote Link to comment
darndamsel Posted February 27, 2019 Author Share Posted February 27, 2019 thanks, I'll give that a go. It seems to be operational noise rather than just vibrating, but I'll try that. Quote Link to comment
KISReef Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 If the noise gets really loud for your liking, I'd throw some thick blankets or a sleeping bag over the tank for the time being. Hopefully, that will muff the sound until your new pump arrives in a couple days. Quote Link to comment
darndamsel Posted February 27, 2019 Author Share Posted February 27, 2019 I'm thinking of adding a shrimp for a few days to get the cycle going. Any thoughts on that? Quote Link to comment
KISReef Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 12 minutes ago, mbrownshoes said: I'm thinking of adding a shrimp for a few days to get the cycle going. Any thoughts on that? You can do that if you'd like. Some people use that to start the cycle. IMO, I'd just use Ammonium Chloride (see link below for more info). https://www.marinedepot.com/Ammonium_Chloride_Solution_for_Fishless_Cycling_4oz_Dr._Tim_s_Aquatics_Water_Treatment_Conditioner_Additives_Supplements-Dr._Tim_s_Aquatics-DQ8311-FIADWT-vi.html Hope this link below answers some of your questions about the nitrogen cycle. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+cycle+a+saltwater+aquarium&docid=607999657875931811&mid=E144B2BD231BC41C9A92E144B2BD231BC41C9A92&view=detail&FORM=VIREHT One more thing. Leave your lights off, unless you like to look at algae or don't mind it. 1 Quote Link to comment
darndamsel Posted February 28, 2019 Author Share Posted February 28, 2019 Thanks. I've added a bit of shrimp. The video was helpful. I've left the light off 😉 Quote Link to comment
darndamsel Posted March 2, 2019 Author Share Posted March 2, 2019 Well I have my new pump and it's much quieter 🙂 Is it possible to add .... anything during the cycling process? A crab, or snail or something to look at? Quote Link to comment
Clown79 Posted March 2, 2019 Share Posted March 2, 2019 3 hours ago, mbrownshoes said: Well I have my new pump and it's much quieter 🙂 Is it possible to add .... anything during the cycling process? A crab, or snail or something to look at? I wouldn't, it's not good exposing livestock to ammonia. Quote Link to comment
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