Cycling?

[MurseBS]

how long does it normally take, the cycling part?
the aquascaping is done and now i do have the shrimp in there. just curious how long it normally takes.
i do have a good bit of the diatoms growing right now. O perams i dont know but i just ordered 5 different test kits so ill let yall know what they are soon.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

How long has been cycling? Diatoms are a good sign that the end is near!

 

[MurseBS]

this saturday will be 4th week. I know to be patient with it. flow is good, im adding a mp40 to it next week then in about a month another will replace the other fan so ill have 2 mp40. so flow is no issue.

 

[SaltWaterDave]

The 4 week mark nears the end. It could still take another week or so. The only true way to find out is by testing to find out your water params.

Also, what size tank is that? It almost looks like a 75 and those 2 MP40's will get some serious flow in there for sure.

 

[MurseBS]

o sorry was gonna add the dim on that last post. its a 120g... 48"x24"x24

 

[MurseBS]

160lbs live rock. another 100or so lbs in sand... its black though, but i have caribsea in the sump. about 4 in and im adding that miracle mud soon, not alot but some to help with everything.

 

[seareefrun]

Depends on the start up Bio load. Two to six weeks. When done you will have zero ammonia, zero nitrites and 20-100 ppm nitrates or higher. Don't use any rushing agents to speed it up. All that rock is your start right.

 

[MurseBS]

yeah its the rock from brs. im not adding any more. i put a couple pieces of live rock rubble that i got from a local store here in waco. that way it can start seeding. also when do i need to add some of the clean up crew.

 

[_Alex_]

when your ammonia hits 0 and your trites are under 5 you could slowly start adding snails and hermits then wait another week or 2 to add fish.

 

[MurseBS]

awesome thanks guys. Lol hardest part of all this is the amount of time that i have to wait.

 

[Troylee]

I wouldn't use the mud personally it has reverse effects down the road and leads to problems.... No need for it either IMHO...

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

My tank was almost cycled but covered in diatoms. I added a gfo and carbon reactor, the diatoms died and now ammonia is back up. Basically either get rid of the algae in the begginning or let it take its course. Not sure if you needed that info but it is always good to know.

 

[MurseBS]

yeah if you notice the i have a gfo and carbon reactor in there beside the sump. i havent added the media yet though cause i figured its a new system so i wouldnt need it yet.

 

[SaltWaterDave]

awesome thanks guys. Lol hardest part of all this is the amount of time that i have to wait.

Yep, patients is a killer in the hobby. One thing I've learned is never to rush anything. It's better to take your time and do it right then to have to do it over again or have something die.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Add the media in the bagginning to avoid restarting the cycle.