Temporary Holding Tank

[corey.nolta]

Just finished moving into a new house this weekend. My 250dd display won't be up for probably another few weeks or so, and then the time it takes to cycle. I currently have all my live stock in a 100 gallon brute tub. My question is this: How long does it take for ammonia to build up? I know it's a loaded question with tons of variables, but here is the stocking:
French Angel
Juvie Emperor Angel
Yellow Tang
Purple Tang
Hippo Tang
Sailfin Tang
Clowns x2
Damsels x3

Thanks!

 

[andrewkw]

Invest in a seachem ammonia alert badge, it will tell you better then anyone on here can. You can do some things like feed lighter but closely monitoring the water is probably best.

 

[ihavecrabs]

Second the ammonia alert badge.

If you have your live rock in that holding tub, your ammonia should continue to get processed without concern but better safe than sorry.

As far as after you get your tank setup, there should not be an impactful cycle unless you didn't keep your live rock wet. If your live rock is all good, then you should be able to fill it with water, get your temp and other parameters in check, then add your live rock. New sand will not create a cycle and as long as you rinse your old sand well before reusing, you should be all good.

Then again, nothing good happens fast in this hobby so don't let me convince you not to be patient if that is your goal!

 

[RMS18]

If you can grab a bottle of live bacteria (I prefer Dr. Tim's) that will help out big time. This is the method i use when setting up a qt tank while instantly adding a fish, i never get any ammonia reading.