Cycling Fluval Evo 13.5 with Dr. Tims

[Sonam]

We have set up and started to cycle a 13.5 gallon fluval Evo using Dr. Tim's One and Only using the ammonium chloride provided by Dr. Tim's.

On Saturday evening we placed live sand and live rock and filled the system with fresh salt water at SG of 1.025.

We are using the stock fluval equipment with no upgrades (yet).

On Sunday (yesterday) we added Dr. Tim's One and Only to jump start the cycle and added the ammonium chloride at 4 drops per gallon as per instructions.

As of today test results show:

Ammonia - not detected
NO2 - 0.1ppm

I did a control test by putting a drop of the ammonium chloride in some tank water in the test vial to make sure the test kit was working. It was.

It seems crazy but it is literally possible we may already be close to cycled using this product!

For more confirmation I did a nitrate test and we have about 5ppm - of nitrates!

Will retest tomorrow after the additional ammonia added today to see what happens. Very excited that this may not take long!

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

I would still give it a week or so before adding any fish or inverts good luck!

 

[tankstudy]

It seems crazy but it is literally possible we may already be close to cycled using this product!

That's pretty normal with bottled bacteria. It just really depends on how much bacteria you start with.

 

[Sonam]

That's pretty normal with bottled bacteria. It just really depends on how much bacteria you start with.

This is great news. Really didn't know if this would work or if it was a gimmick.

We will proceed with caution.

Thanks

 

[tankstudy]

This is great news. Really didn't know if this would work or if it was a gimmick.

Yeah, we were growing bacteria quite awhile back. It was only a matter of time before we could figure out how to grow and sell it in a bottle.

 

[Steven C]

@Sonam how do you like the Fluval evo tank?

 

[lbacha]

I just started my nano tank 13 g total with sump a little over 2 weeks ago. I used Dr Tim's as well and I haven't seen any trace of ammonia or nitrites. I added fish food every day instead of the ammonia. I also have a refugium with cheato and the ball has tripled in size since I put it in so I know the food is breaking down and feeding it. I still have no nitrates but I with the cheato growth and I started to see green algae on the live rock I'm fairly confident it is being created. I just added my first clean up crew members a couple days ago and they are doing fine and still no ammonia so I feel like Dr Tims definitely helped seed the tank with bacteria

 

[Sonam]

@Sonam how do you like the Fluval evo tank?

It's pretty early in the process to really say bit first impressions:

Pros:
Integrated "sump" area - much more attractive than a glass box with a hang on the back system.

Attractive to look at - it's shape works for our location. On a book shelf.

Value for the price. We got ours on sale at the LFS for not much more than a standard glass box with a heater and pump would have cost. It comes with everything you would need to get started except a heater and thermometer.

Cons:
The lid is cheap and awkward. There is a permanent opening for feeding which would be an exit point for jumpers for sure.

The LEDs that come with it get hot and because they are part of the lid I am concerned in warmer weather it could cause problems. (we have already ordered a custom replacement and intent to also upgrade lights)

The return pump doesn't seem very strong. We will likely upgrade this also but that's not an expensive upgrade.

Overall:
I believe you could run it as it comes. It is a great value considering it's design. For someone starting out or folks like us who wanted to start a nano system on a budget it's a good option. We plan to upgrade as the system is built up. Lights and lid first.

 

[Steven C]

@Sonam Thanks for that really helpful. I'm looking to get one for work but not looking to break the bank. Question the light that comes with it do you think it can keep LPS and an anemone alive?

 

[Sonam]

I think LPS would be ok, some don't need bright light.
Regarding the anemone, I don't know. We had one for a few years in our main display. They can have lifespans over 100 years. Unfortunately ours died after struggling with cleaner shrimp that kept stealing its food. We tried covering it with Tupperware but the shrimp would literally dig out food from its mouth. One or two cleaners became a meal for it during the process but it ultimately lost.
Here's an article on caring for anemones. I'm no expert at all. Much to the misfortune of ours.
http://www.reeftime.com/reef-articles/anemone-articles/begginers-guide-keeping-anemones/11.htm
Hope this helps.