I'm still pretty new at sw and I have started a second tank. This time I started with live sand and live rock, last time dry rock and dried out sand and a piece of shrimp. When I cycled my first tank it was about 8 weeks before I had 0 nitrites for 5 consecutive days. On this tank I had spikes go up and down for a week and now I have 7 days of 0 nitites. I have read of people saying that they have had a tank cycle in 2 weeks but I feel that is way to quick. Curious on anyone's opinion, if this is possible or if I read someone's lack of knowledge on a proper cycle.
Cycle question
- Thread starter joshgimer
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Jimbo662
2500 Club Member
It is possible. When starting with dry rock you're waiting for the amonia do develop so the bacteria will have something to consume and grow / spread in the tank. With live rock / sand the bacteria is already there and begins consuming the amonia as soon as it starts. I started my current tank with about 80% dry and 20% live rock. It took me about 3 weeks to finish the cycle.
yes, it could be that your tank cycled in that time frame because you started with live rock and live sand 
Reef_Lounge_USA
Active Member
Make sure you start adding livestock slowly and keep an eye on the ammonia level. If it creeps above zero be ready to do some waterchanges.
