Cycle question

[Jeremy S.]

I dont plan on trying to speed up my cycle, Im just looking for the best way to get a healthy cycle. The tank I'll be setting up is going to be around 6 gal with a 40 gal sump. What is everyones experience using cycle starter cultures and other chemicals to enhance the cycle process? Like I said I'm not looking to try to skip cycling I just want to start my tank off with the best cycle I can.

 

[Dowtish]

Is that a typo? A 6 gallon tank with a 40 gallon sump?

You can help the cycle along by adding various strains of bacteria to the tank. Microbe Lift special blend and Microbacter 7 are good choices that can be bought locally.

 

[Jeremy S.]

Not a typo. Ive got a project I'm working on with a nano tank and I'm trying to get as much water volume as I can with it. Probably wont use the 40 gal but it's just what I have sitting around right now. I'm wanting to make the nano as stable as I can so I'm thinking about using a large sump to increase water volume.

Ive used bacteria in cycles before. I guess what I'm looking for is what is the highest quality chemicals and bacteria everyone's used.

 

[JOKER]

I used DR Tim's one and only and had very little spike during cycle. Added coral in a week, still took fish additions slow. Never used the microbe but have heard good things about it also.

 

[schooleyosis]

MB7. Use it every time I set up my QT. MB7 along with some water from my existing system and filter media that has seeded in the sump and I've not had any issues. Small, frequent water changes with water from my main system are required the first week or so but after that weekly water changes do the trick along with dosing MB7.

 

[Jeremy S.]

Would anyone with a stable and matured tank be willing to seed some media for me? I wish my old tank was still setup because I use to do that for my other tanks. Also does anyone know the best place locally for Diamond tipped hole saws? I need to drill the tank for the overflow.

 

[McAllyn]

I haven't seen anywhere local that sells diamond hole saws locally. I've had to order mine. The ones from BRS and Glass-Holes are "good-enough" but there are better out there.

Mac

 

[Jeremy S.]

I haven't seen anywhere local that sells diamond hole saws locally. I've had to order mine. The ones from BRS and Glass-Holes are "good-enough" but there are better out there.

Mac

Yea I was looking at the ones on BRS but after shipping just for the one would be around $20. But since I need to order some other stuff I may just end up going with the BRS one.

 

[schooleyosis]

Would anyone with a stable and matured tank be willing to seed some media for me? I wish my old tank was still setup because I use to do that for my other tanks. Also does anyone know the best place locally for Diamond tipped hole saws? I need to drill the tank for the overflow.

I've got room in my sump for whatever media you decide to use. I'd recommend bio-rings, sponge, or even a piece of rock. I will sometimes throw in several pieces of rock rubble that have been in my sump into the QT to help with the cycle. You don't want to use too much though in case there is some die-off during the transition.

Let me know your thoughts and we will work something out.

 

[Jeremy S.]

I've got room in my sump for whatever media you decide to use. I'd recommend bio-rings, sponge, or even a piece of rock. I will sometimes throw in several pieces of rock rubble that have been in my sump into the QT to help with the cycle. You don't want to use too much though in case there is some die-off during the transition.

Let me know your thoughts and we will work something out.

Ive got some rock from my past tank. I'm going to have to let it soak in something first because it has been out of a tank for months. Do you know if I need to soak it in SW or can I soak it in freshwater just to get any old dead stuff off/out of the rock? Every other time I've evver cycled I've used LR but it was already cured. This that I have use to be cured but like I said it's been out of the tank for almost 6 months.

 

[schooleyosis]

Why don't you get a sponge or some bio-rings or something like that. I don't want to risk putting old LR or something in my sump that could cause problems. A simple sponge will do the trick... I use the bio-rings from the Fluval canister filters as they are already in a bag and not expensove

 

[Jeremy S.]

Why don't you get a sponge or some bio-rings or something like that. I don't want to risk putting old LR or something in my sump that could cause problems. A simple sponge will do the trick... I use the bio-rings from the Fluval canister filters as they are already in a bag and not expensove

Yes very true. Do you think I could ever use the LR again or should I just ditch it? Its around 10lb worth. I'll let you know when I get some of the bio ring though if you're good with that. I forget where your house it, last time I was there was my first meeting over a year ago. Of course I can just bring them to a meeting sometime. But just let me know what works for you I'd much appreciate it.

 

[schooleyosis]

The rock will probably be ok, it will just need to cycle and become seeded to be LR again. I'd probably soak it in a tub of saltwater for a few weeks with a pump and heater. Change the water every so often...

I'm in Smyrna. Whatever works, just let me know.

 

[Tennsquire]

Is that a typo? A 6 gallon tank with a 40 gallon sump?

You can help the cycle along by adding various strains of bacteria to the tank. Microbe Lift special blend and Microbacter 7 are good choices that can be bought locally.

Chris, who locally has Microbe Lift? My sps show a good polyp response when I use it, but I've always mail ordered it. Gotta love that smell....

 

[schooleyosis]

I believe Petco does

 

[Jeremy S.]

The rock will probably be ok, it will just need to cycle and become seeded to be LR again. I'd probably soak it in a tub of saltwater for a few weeks with a pump and heater. Change the water every so often...

I'm in Smyrna. Whatever works, just let me know.

I thought that's where you were. I live in Murfreesboro but work in Smyrna. Shoot me a text if you get the chance at six one five-295-5289. I can just bring the rings over when you're free and I buy a pack.

 

[Dowtish]

Chris, who locally has Microbe Lift? My sps show a good polyp response when I use it, but I've always mail ordered it. Gotta love that smell....

Yep, Petco has it