short Cycle? Advice please!

caseytatum44 · Apr 1, 2014

I've been doing tons of research on cycling and I understand it's different from tank to tank and that this topic has probably been beat to death. Here is my scenario, please let me know what you all think! I have a 65 Gallon tank with about a 10 gallon sump.

- I purchased 40 lbs of cured live rock from a friend from an established tank, my tank wasn't filled fully yet with saltwater so I transferred the rock into a brute container with a heater and circulation where it sat for about 1.5-2 weeks.
- I added it all to my tank and added another 20-25 lbs of liverock from my LFS immediately(transferred wrapped in wet paper towels for 20 min drive). I am not sure if it was "cured" but the pieces did have noticeable life on them.
- The tank sat about a week and a half where all levels were perfect(I believe I saw a small spike in ammonia 1 day?)
- I may have rushed things but I added a Chromis who has seemed to be perfectly happy for about 5 days now.
- Water tested over the last few days with everything perfect still. I've had the lights cycling on and off and have noticed some of the rock turning brown (diatom bloom from what I read?)

I'm getting mixed info from my friends on whether to proceed with a small cleanup crew or an additional fish or two.

As always, thanks for taking the time to help!

Defect · Apr 1, 2014

I would not add anything else before your tank was stable for another couple weeks. Just my .02 cents

Edit : Just re-read the post and noticed you already tested and everything was fine. I haven't heard of a tank cycling in a week and half but maybe it can happen!

Dalmatia · Apr 1, 2014

Your prob fine to add more fish but qt them first. At least for 2 weeks

caseytatum44 · Apr 1, 2014

I tested this morning with all levels being perfect. PH was around 8.2 and all other levels 0. What about at least a few CUC?

Bad Company · Apr 1, 2014

don't buy CuC until there is plenty for them to eat. Otherwise snails and other herbavores will just die.

Dalmatia · Apr 1, 2014

Why not buy a couple of snails and see how they do? I would, even some shrimp, you feed them so they will live if your tank is ok

Tahoe61 · Apr 1, 2014

Try some hermits.

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 1, 2014

You're tank is fine. I wouldn't go crazy with adding stuff, but adding another fish or two is perfectly fine.

caseytatum44 · Apr 2, 2014

Breakthecycle2 said:
You're tank is fine. I wouldn't go crazy with adding stuff, but adding another fish or two is perfectly fine.

Thanks for the advice, your username is appropriate :smile: I went ahead and picked up a few hermits yesterday, they went right to cruising around cleaning.