New tank cycling

[Brew12]

It's time for me to seriously consider how I will start up my tank. Hope to have the plumbing and electrical done in the next few days. I would like some thoughts on if this is a good idea.
For reference:
120g DT
55g sump
120 pounds dry rock
70 pounds live sand

When ready, I plan on dropping a frozen shrimp into the tank and let it start rotting. Once I get some good ammonia going I will add Biro-spira. I'll let that go for a few days until ammonia goes to zero (adding more shrimp if it seems necessary). Once everything looks stable I will pour in a little pure ammonia and make sure it is processed properly.
If that checks out and I have the expected algae growth, I will order a CuC and put them in the DT. I will start adding fish food to dry feed the tank to maintain the CuC and bacteria.
30 days after that I will pick up my first fish and get them in a QT so they are ready for the DT 76 days after adding the Cuc.

Sound like a solid plan?

 

[Joey waid]

It's solid, but a long plan. If you are going to put your fish in a qt, why not the cuc? I'm on the Fence about a new tank and qt on the new fish. I am starting two new tanks and have bought fish that have been sitting at the store for three weeks. Why would I put them in time out again? I can see if I bought them off the web, but I can't see me doing it if I watch the fish and I use the same chemicals as them. I would think you should have your first fish in, in about a month with your cycling plan. I used a shrimp on the two tanks and they are both coming close to cycling at three weeks. Granted one is a thirty and the other is a forty. I have had other 100 gallons that I have put my first fish in at one month. Maybe I'm crazy,we will see when others chime in. I can't wait to see yours!!

 

[Brew12]

If you are going to put your fish in a qt, why not the cuc?

I haven't figured out a way to properly QT a CuC. Since I can't figure that part out, I'm going to put the CuC in and then go with a 76 day fallow period assuming that ich came with them.

 

[Joey waid]

There is a new thread on qt for cuc..

 

[Brew12]

There is a new thread on qt for cuc..

Thanks, just looked at it. This is basically what I am doing. I am essentially using my DT as the QT for my CuC. Much easier than setting up a separate tank.

 

[Robink]

You can cycle the tank faster with ammonia. I used Dr. Tim's ammonia chloride, 11 days.

 

[Joey waid]

Thanks, just looked at it. This is basically what I am doing. I am essentially using my DT as the QT for my CuC. Much easier than setting up a separate tank.

Your not concerned about chemicals or bugs being introduced with them? I know it will be almost nothing

 

[jsker]

I just did the first 90. Start the system with the live rock and salt, let the spike naturally happen, then added the clean up crew at the 30 day mark. Let the clean up crew establish some what of a bio load for the next 30. Add a couple of damsels and if they make it you should be good to start add what ever you would like slowly.

The key is, and we all here this, " take your time, and be patient".

I am guilty of trying to rush it too

And I am not going there on QT

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I am against dead shrimp as you have no control over your ammonia levels. Use pure ammonia from the hardware store and dose up to 5ppm (no more).

 

[CodyRVA]

I am against dead shrimp as you have no control over your ammonia levels. Use pure ammonia from the hardware store and dose up to 5ppm (no more).

+1, I use a cap full for every 10 gallons, purchased from ace hardware. This will drive your ammonia way high, but it leaves no doubt when cycling begins. Helps build a solid bacteria population.