New 12 gal jbj dlx

[Exodus7627]

I just purchased my new 12 gal jbj dlx and I started the cycle wanted to know if I should change the lighting to something a little more stronger currently it has (2) 24 Watt CF 50/50 lamps and I am going to put an extra powerhead any suggestions on the lighting or how many gph my powerhead should be.

I have also heard that if you put raw shrimp in the tank while it is cycling it speeds up the cycling process. Is this true?

 

[ganjero]

The shrimp is part true, it's to make the cycling start sooner ( I guess you could say that speeds up the cycle). It's gonna made your water really cloudy, and it will clear up.
The lights, it depends on what do you want to keep in there. If you stay with the original light system I would change the bulbs, one actinic and the other white light ( 10000k) so you can have the tank only in actinic at dusk and dawn.

Fish only with live rock= stay with the same lights

Mushrooms and other corals that dont require much light= stay with the same lights

Any other coral= change the lights.

 

[tampa_bandit]

Hey Exodus,
I just purchased the same tank yesterday. I am pretty new to SW tanks in general, and just reading as much as possible about new setups now.

My question is this - Did you take out the bio-balls, carbon, and ceramic bags in the back middle compartment?? I have read mix reviews on this, but wondering what you did with yours.
I plan on putting a couple fish and some corals in my tank in the long run, but right now trying to get it cycled, and figure out how to set it up properly.
Also, i think i am going to keep the same lights in it. At my local SW store they have a couple 12gl JBJ tanks on display with coral and they insist the manufacture's lighting works just fine.

How is your cycling process coming along as well???

 

[Exodus7627]

tampa_bandit sorry it took me so long to respond I was away I took out the bio-balls. I did this with my 65 gallon and so have my other friends with there tanks and everything is going real good with the tank.