Cycling question

[DanH86]

Setting up a new tank and I am ready to add water however I go on vacation in 7 days time, for 7 days. I’m wondering if I have an opportunity here to fill the tank, add bacteria and let it do it’s own thing or if I should wait till I’m back before filling it - how often do tests need to be conducted? Does the ATO need filling during cycling? These are the deciding factors...obviously I’m here for the first week so can keep an eye during the very early stage.

 

[Clinton]

Setting up a new tank and I am ready to add water however I go on vacation in 7 days time, for 7 days. I’m wondering if I have an opportunity here to fill the tank, add bacteria and let it do it’s own thing or if I should wait till I’m back before filling it - how often do tests need to be conducted? Does the ATO need filling during cycling? These are the deciding factors...obviously I’m here for the first week so can keep an eye during the very early stage.

What size of tank are we talking about? What size of ATO? I know my 14g ATO can get me through a week. What are you using to start your cycle?

 

[DanH86]

Reefer 250 tank with the standard sized RSR ATO - usually lasts 3 days from what I’ve read.
Cycle being started with AquaVitro seed bacteria.

 

[Ly78]

You could top up just before it overflow and let it circulate in just the display tank if you fear water level going low and return pump running dry

 

[Huff747]

As long as you can keep it running safely while you’re gone the sooner it starts the better.

 

[DanH86]

Thanks guys, sounds like the small ATO will prevent me from putting water in the tank just yet, don’t want the the pump running dry!

 

[lapin]

You dont need the return pump to be on or use the sump or ATO. You dont even need a heater or lights. If you have some circulation in the tank (power head) then you are good to go. Add the salt water, bacteria and ammonia and let it rip. You can test it to see how fast it is processing ammonia and add some before you leave. If it goes to 0 while you are gone for a week, the bacteria will not die. When cycling rock I test once a week for 4 weeks to chart progress.

 

[DanH86]

Ooh that puts an interesting spin on things. I have 2 x 4000 l/h powerheads. So I guess I could fill it to just below the main drain then? (Apologies for all the questions - first saltwater tank!)

 

[lapin]

Ooh that puts an interesting spin on things. I have 2 x 4000 l/h powerheads. So I guess I could fill it to just below the main drain then? (Apologies for all the questions - first saltwater tank!)

Thats a good plan Dan

 

[Idoc]

Yep, i vote for filling up the DT as much as possible and running it with only the powerheads while you're gone. Connect the sump when you get home.

 

[Clinton]

Live the cycling dream Dan! Live the dream!
Shrimp in a sock as a source of ammonia in his absence?

 

[JustAnotherNanoTank]

That or a good sprinkle of pellet food ^

 

[Clinton]

That or a good sprinkle of pellet food ^

Endless possibilities of waste to produce results! Muhahaha

 

[DanH86]

Thanks all, appreciate the advice.