Question about tank size and cycling

[cassilyn]

Hi everyone! I'm still around, I just haven't got my tank yet, so I'm waiting on getting it before I start my build thread. I should have the tank next month (it's almost paid off). It's a 35-gallon hex that is 22" long x 20" wide x 24" tall. I'm also getting a 25-gallon sump in August, so I can't set up my tank until then, but I have a question. I know that it is recommended to have at least 30 gallons for a pair and another 15 gallons for each additional pony. Does the size of the sump mean I can have 3 ponies instead of just 2? I'd like to get three but don't want to stress them out. I feel like this is a dumb question, but thought I'd ask to be sure (I have a feeling the answer is no.).

Also, will it do any good to cycle my tank when I get it before I have my sump, or would I just have to cycle it again after I get the sump?

Thanks, everyone! I'm so excited that it's almost time to get started.

Cassi

 

[Doctorgori]

Yes the sump dilutes issues biologically, but there Is some geometry to the ubiquitous 30/pair rule of thumb....I wouldn’t press it.. not sure how much “runway” a 30 hex has for courtship ,,..might be ok

I got 2pr in a 60 ...if Erectus, they can get Big ... hopefully a better/more experienced opinion chimes in, I’m just on yr 2

 

[cassilyn]

Thanks. That's kind of what I thought, but I was hoping. My tank is rather small, but it's all I can afford, plus we aren't in our final home yet, so I don't want to get a big tank to have to move someday.

 

[rayjay]

With the usual learning curve in this hobby, sticking to just one pair will make things more forgiving and give you a better chance of succeeding.

 

[brandon429]

You won’t have to cycle the sump, it’s just added in to a cycled system. Removing a cycled sump from a system doesn’t destabilize or change the overall cycle at all. You are allowed to remove, disconnect or clean any portion of a reef tank without harming a cycle. Only bacteria on the live rocks matter, what you add or subtract around them regarding bacteria doesn’t matter. This includes the sandbed, even removing a sandbed all at once done correctly doesn’t harm the cycle, or an established tank, what we add or subtract other than live rock doesn’t matter.

 

[Paulie069]

You won’t have to cycle the sump, it’s just added in to a cycled system. Removing a cycled sump from a system doesn’t destabilize or change the overall cycle at all. You are allowed to remove, disconnect or clean any portion of a reef tank without harming a cycle. Only bacteria on the live rocks matter, what you add or subtract around them regarding bacteria doesn’t matter. This includes the sandbed, even removing a sandbed all at once done correctly doesn’t harm the cycle, or an established tank, what we add or subtract other than live rock doesn’t matter.

There’s lots of opinions on number of ponies that you can put in tank,, I agree with rayjay that you should start with a pair to get into grove on caring for them,, I personally had 13 seahorses in a 20gal Walmart tank for 2yrs with minimal problems,,, but that’s just me I always go against the grain and am lucky nothing major ever happened,, and all my ponies were happy and healthy

 

[cassilyn]

You won’t have to cycle the sump, it’s just added in to a cycled system. Removing a cycled sump from a system doesn’t destabilize or change the overall cycle at all. You are allowed to remove, disconnect or clean any portion of a reef tank without harming a cycle. Only bacteria on the live rocks matter, what you add or subtract around them regarding bacteria doesn’t matter. This includes the sandbed, even removing a sandbed all at once done correctly doesn’t harm the cycle, or an established tank, what we add or subtract other than live rock doesn’t matter.

Thanks! This is what I was hoping. I'm going to have my tank in a couple of weeks, but I have to wait for my sump. I'd like to get started cycling now. So I'll get some live rock and get started as soon as I get my tank. I've heard Dr. Tim's system is a great way to cycle without fish. Any feedback on that? Any other fishless cycling systems that work well?
Thanks

 

[rayjay]

I use ammonium chloride that I've had for decades, but if you can find household liquid ammonia that has NO additives of any kind, you can use that. Simple and Cheap.

 

[Devaji]

for cycling I really like the bottled Bac. and ammonia. as rayjoy said just make sure you get the stuff with NO crap in it. just pure ammonia.

now for my thoughts on the tank I know you prob. are pretty attached the the Hex. but from reading other SH keepers they Hex tanks they have a harder time getting the flow right. IDK I have never had a SH hex tank just waht I hear on the FB groups.

SOOOO you might want to pause for a second and rethink the tank. I would think a petco 40br would be a better tank...yes yes I know it;s on the shorter side but to you really want tons of fry anyway. or a 65-75-90-120

FYI petco 1 per gallon is going on. there is some pretty good deals on 40 75 & 90.

best of luck!

 

[Paulie069]

for cycling I really like the bottled Bac. and ammonia. as rayjoy said just make sure you get the stuff with NO crap in it. just pure ammonia.

now for my thoughts on the tank I know you prob. are pretty attached the the Hex. but from reading other SH keepers they Hex tanks they have a harder time getting the flow right. IDK I have never had a SH hex tank just waht I hear on the FB groups.

SOOOO you might want to pause for a second and rethink the tank. I would think a petco 40br would be a better tank...yes yes I know it;s on the shorter side but to you really want tons of fry anyway. or a 65-75-90-120

FYI petco 1 per gallon is going on. there is some pretty good deals on 40 75 & 90.

best of luck!

Hex tanks are not as big as they look,, inside is smaller than outside by almost 8%

 

[cassilyn]

I use ammonium chloride that I've had for decades, but if you can find household liquid ammonia that has NO additives of any kind, you can use that. Simple and Cheap.

Thanks. I've done a lot of research about fishless cycling and I think this is how I want to go. I hate the idea of buying fish I don't want to keep just to cycle the tank. I am SO ready to get started. I have everything picked out and my tank will be home in two weeks. I'm just waiting on the funds to get everything else in a couple of months, about the time I have the tank cycled. I can't believe it's all working out so well time-wise.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Paulie069]

Thanks. I've done a lot of research about fishless cycling and I think this is how I want to go. I hate the idea of buying fish I don't want to keep just to cycle the tank. I am SO ready to get started. I have everything picked out and my tank will be home in two weeks. I'm just waiting on the funds to get everything else in a couple of months, about the time I have the tank cycled. I can't believe it's all working out so well time-wise.

Thanks again everyone!

Much luck