opinion on cycling

[Steve Maxwell]

OK...I know that this can be a controversial subject, but I'd like some suggestions on cycling. I have a 75g DT and a eshopps R200 sump/refugium that I'm almost ready to cycle. I have about 60-70 lbs of dry rock and non-live sand in the DT...and dry rock rubble in the sump/refugium. I have a few pounds of live rock that I'm going to add and I have some filter floss from my established tank that I'm going to throw in. I also picked up some Bio Spira to add. So, once I have the DT and sump/refugium flowing, should I run the protein skimmer? What about lights? I'd like to cycle as quickly as possible, but don't want to do it half arsed. I have some zoas and shrooms that are setting in my biocube that I'd like to move over (and a few fish in the QT), but don't want to rush things.

So...what do you think?!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I'd like to cycle as quickly as possible, but don't want to do it half arsed.

As long as quickly is 3 weeks to a month.
Your on the right track, add old tank water too and your seed sources are good. Youve read the controversy clearly. So you know you could put stuff in right now.
Skimmer adds air but pulls the food out your new Bacterial pets your growing need, light adds, well no one want to hazard a guess usually, but id say gives beneficial micro algaes and cyano's (yes good ones) a chance to get a footing. Limit it as you'll get nutrient bursts and feed the baddies.
Me Id wait. Let the new babies settle in and the expensive ones wont have to deal with their fighting. And pooping every where.
Ultimately, your looking at it. your call.

 

[brandon429]

agreed. the only controversy would be where people spike the tank with the living stuff with ammonia to affect bacteria they think will die if they don't. what you've written is opposite of that, you can add bottle bac or not add it with no harm. its the ammonia that makes the controversy and so far this is a no ammonia plan.