Fishless cycle general questions

DWick180 · Feb 20, 2014

I have just started my first potential FOWLR tank a few days ago. I wanted to clarify a few questions, since I heard that the cycle is a very difficult part of starting a tank.

I have a 29 gallon tank, 1" of live sand, and 35 lbs of live rock. I filled with tap water, after using tap water conditioner on it, added salt, currently having a sg of 1.025 at 78 degrees. I have one power pump, heater, and a bio-wheel power filter. I plan on getting A protein skimmer after the cycle completes I can start putting my janitors in. I run my lights 10-12 hours/day.

First, I would like to clarify if no PWC should be done during the cycle.

Second, I would like to clarify what I should be looking for during the cycle. What should I be measuring, and how will I know when the cycle is complete?

Is there a way to speed up the cycle? I heard something about putting a piece of raw shrimp in the tank and letting it decompose.

Lastly, any general advice would be greatly appreciate in addition to these question. Thanks in advance for your help!

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Reefing Madness · Feb 20, 2014

No reason to do any water changes, as you want the ammonia and other bacteria to build up.
No real reason to test for anything for a couple of weeks. But after that you'll be looking for Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates.
Putting a raw shrimp into a net, and laying the net into the tank water, this will build up the amount of ammonia, and really get the tank stabile for fish at the end of the nitrogen cycle. It doens't speed it up, it dumps ammonia basically into the tank. Your looking at 6-8 weeks, just gotta wait it out. When Ammonia and Nitrites are 0 and your Nitrates are 40, then perform a 50% water change and your good to go.