No way I've cycled in Three days

[xabo]

Started cycling new setup (225 gals.) w/Dr. Tims One & Only Saturday night. Did a test today and have the following using new Salifert kits: Amonia-less than 0.15, Nitrite-0, Nitrate-25. Tank Temp-75 PH-8.02.

Used CaribSea live sand and rocks from previous tank that had been placed in a Brute can w/some old tank water and RO/DI water. Rock had been sitting for over a month w/no heater and no power head.

 

[StatelineReefer]

You're right. Add enough ammonia to register on your test kit, then check again tomorrow.

 

[El_Guapo13]

Wouldn't the preestablished live sand and rock basically make it cycled? I am sure I saw someone post something on that in another thread a month or two ago. In fact I think there is some big discussion thread on the matter somewhere. Let me see if I can find it.

 

[piranhaman00]

I’ve cycled tanks overnight with biospira

 

[StatelineReefer]

Wouldn't the preestablished live sand and rock basically make it cycled? I am sure I saw someone post something on that in another thread a month or two ago. In fact I think there is some big discussion thread on the matter somewhere. Let me see if I can find it.

It may, but the bacteria is 'self leveling'. Adding a source of ammonia and then checking the next day will test the resistance of the tank to increased bioload. There's always more to a cycle than "Can I add fish now". If it reads less by the next day to a measurable degree, then the cycle is complete, at least at the bacterial level.

 

[xabo]

You're right. Add enough ammonia to register on your test kit, then check again tomorrow.

Forgot to add......I added 3 Tablespoons (900 drops) this morning.

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

It is possible your tank rock and sand are processing ammonia and nitrite. How much ammonia did you dose?

 

[StatelineReefer]

Forgot to add......I added 3 Tablespoons (900 drops) this morning.

Then yes, I would say you are bacterially ready to increase your bioload.

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

What should the 900 drops have made your tank register?

 

[xabo]

Will test again in the morning.................

 

[xabo]

What should the 900 drops have made your tank register?

Per the instructions 2PPM. (4 drops per gal.)

 

[brandon429]

live rock sitting in water a while will not uncycle, we have threads out to 36 mos as a test.

I expect this to be a literal skip cycle event. both the rocks and live sand had bac. only drying out the rocks would kill the bac. even salt shifting from no topoff is not certain to kill bacteria, they are so tough when wet because a slime coating/biofilm insulates them from direct changes for a good while

 

[brandon429]

this is how people move 500 tanks to macna and not have to show up a month early with deli shrimp

 

[xabo]

Going to ride the rest of the week and numbers remain stable will do a water change on Sunday. That'll be a week of cycling.