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To initiate and boost the seeding of nitrifying and denitrifying
bacteria in the bio-filter media and live rocks, the Red Sea MAX
Starter Kit includes Red Sea NitroBac. This specially designed
formula contains a concentrated blend of nitrifying bacteria that
quickly and effectively stabilize the nitrification process, reducing
the cycling time for new aquaria by up to 60 percent. You can
add it directly to the aquarium during the initial setup and add
50ml every week during the cycle period.
Curing the live rocks
1. Wash all the rocks with saltwater and remove any grayish or
slimy areas, which harbor decaying microorganisms. This will
help minimize ammonia levels.
2. Remove any signs of algae.
3. Place the live rock in the tank. Ensure that only small areas
of the rock are in contact with the tank bottom or other
rocks.Try to build as many caves as possible such that the
larger rocks sit on the bottom and the smaller ones on top.
It is important to build a stable structure that provides the
rock with good water circulation. Do not block the pump
outlets or filtration chamber opening.
User Manual
4. Direct the pump nozzles to produce good water movement
throughout the tank.
5. Add 50ml/1.7oz of Red Sea NitroBac.
6. Program the lighting system, starting with a 6-hour period
of light on the first day.
7. Gradually increase this interval by 1 hour every two days until
it reaches 12-14 hours per day.
8. Test the water parameters, paying particular attention to
ammonia and nitrite levels.
9. Change 10-25% of the water weekly, siphoning out any
settled debris.
10. Start a regular maintenance program (see next chapter).
Algae blooms
During the cycle process, you can expect a series of algae blooms.
First the brown diatom algae will appear, followed by red
cyanobacteria and then green filamentous algae. These algae
blooms constitute a natural and typical part of the cycle in reef
tanks. They will disappear naturally, giving way to patches of
desirable purple-pink coralline algae on the live rocks.
To control this algae bloom, introduce some "cleaning" herbivores
to the new aquarium.
Figure 41: Positioning live rock
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