Lifesabeach

Hi Everyone
I expect to have my new tank soon. The new canister filter has a built in UV light. Of course, this time I will perform a fishless cycle. Two things: Should I keep the light off, and should I leave out the carbon during the cycle period?

Shawnie

imo, it can be off or on..but I do know, warmer water speeds up the cycle process...being fishless, you can crank up that heater to help...as far as carbon, I dont think you need it to cycle...what method are you using? goodluck!

Lifesabeach

Not sure when you ask what method apart from fish or fishless. I will add fish food and ammonia to the water and some gravel from my existing tank, and I hope to take some of the medium from my existing canister to get things going. There will be a few plants and rocks, with a sizable piece of driftwood which has been soaking - I expect leaching of tannins (too large to boil).

I assume I can purchase ammonia from the LFS or maybe the local chemist (as we call it in AUS)

Shawnie

awesome...you wont need the food and ammonia tho..one or the other is ok...I have a tank with tannis ...I like the looks of it but some dont...make sure you take some pics of it going up if you can ...(the tank )

Lifesabeach

Sure will...thanks again!

agabr123

agreed with shawnie i'd probably leave the lights off just to save electricity honestly, it won't really help or hurt either way

Lifesabeach

Not sure if you understood that the light is inside the canister. I believe it's designed to kill of potential algae blooms. I prefer to have it on if that's the case, as long as it dosen't inhibit bacteria growth.

agabr123

ah i understand what you're saying now, sorry i apparently missed the "uv" part

if i were you, about halfway through the cycle i would turn it on, or if you start to see algae. that way you will kill anything before you get fish. i've never used a UV Sterilizer, but lots of members here have and can give you better info than i can