questions on cycling a tank

[flat6guy]

I'm currently setting up a 24g fluval all in one tank. I plan to use aprox 25lbs of BRS reef saver dry rock and 35-40lbs of pink Fiji live sand. I'm looking at trying to start a cycle and build up my bacteria population along with micro fauna and pods. I'm looking at using Dr. Tim's ammonia chloride fishless cycle.

1. Has anyone done this before? If so how did it work out for you?
2. I assume water changes are not done during this initial process, correct?
3. I read through the newbie cycle starter thread on this forum. I really like the idea of using a measured amount of ammonia to judge how strong/large the bacterial population is. Can this be done in the method I'm looking to start with?

 

[don_chuwish]

Dr. Tim's website has good info on the process:
http://www.drtimsaquatics.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DrTims_Fishless_Cycling_RecipeA-1.png
Pretty sure it comes with the product too.
Also check the stickies right here in this section of the forums, namely:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/cycling-an-aquarium.306554/

 

[mjlash22]

Dr. Tim's is a very common/popular cycle starter. As mentioned in the post above, there are many threads including the sticky thread that will have more than enough information you should need to get going.

Water changes are typically done when your nitrites hit 0. This will spike your nitrates and you should do some larger water changes to reduce that level.

 

[flat6guy]

Thanks for the tips and links. When do I add the pods and micro fauna? After the tank cycle makes sense to me

 

[PatW]

I have used Dr Tim’s ammonia source. You just add according to the instructions. I think you want to start with a ppm of ammonia. You can add cultured bacteria to accelerate the cycle. But you don’t have to add bacteria. The right bacteria will get into your tank, it just takes longer without adding a starter. You then measure ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels through time. You want ammonia to go to 0. You want nitrite to rise and go to zero. You want the nitrogen to end up as nitrate.

The process could take anywhere from a week to a month or two. Dr. Tim’s suggests adding ammonia again. You want the tank to go from 1 ppm to 0 in 24 hours.

Of course, after cycling, you are going to have piles of nitrates in the tank. You are going to want to do a huge water change to get the nitrate levels down to say less than 10 ppm. I would not do any water changes until after cycling is complete.

 

[wsoldier]

Thanks for the tips and links. When do I add the pods and micro fauna? After the tank cycle makes sense to me

I'm about to cycle a new tank and curious as well. What did you find out or end up doing with the pods and when? Thanks.