Cycling - Been so long, I can't remember

[Stray32]

Simple questions:

I am setting up a 3 Gal Pico in my office, and plan on using water from my DT, and cured rock from my LFS. So should I expect a cycle? Does sand have anything to do with cycling, as I plan on using "dead" sand and seeding with a cup of my "live" sand

 

[dwd5813]

you probably won't see much but i'd still keep an eye on it for a short while. can you use some rock from your existing tank in the new one and add the lfs rock to your tank? that might have the added benefit of increasing the diversity in your current tank as well as making sure it's fully cured rock you're adding to the pico.

 

[Stray32]

Yep, I could probably pull a few pieces out of my DT.

 

[Fizz71]

I agree with dwd...snag from rock the DT. If your bioload isn't that bad in the 75g you could probably just replace it with dead rock or base rock and save some cash. It will become live from the other 100lbs of live rock you probably have.

There is a very good chance you'll see NO cycle. Unless your live sand or live rock has some die off in transport or the sand is really dirty with detritus that you will now be stirring up you'll probably get nothing but nitrate out of the move.

 

[Stray32]

Well we are talking no more than 5 lbs total in my 3 Gal Pico, so snagging a pound or two from my DT shouldn't be a problem. I spotted a really nice piece of LR at my LFS the other day, nice shape and full of zoas, perfect for my 3 Gal.

 

[thegrun]

+1 on the rock from your 75. If you also take some live sand with you, you shouldn't have a cycle at all provided you keep the rock and sand in water during transport. I have a friend who is in the maintenance business and they keep fully cured LR and live sand, they set new tanks up one day and add fish the next day reportedly without problems.

 

[dwd5813]

if you found a zoa rock already go for that. i was thinking you were talking about just bare rock. either way you should be seeing a minimal cycle if any. good luck and post pics when its set up.

 

[Stray32]

Roger that

 

[joem1cha3l]

keep us posted on how you make out!

 

[joem1cha3l]

keep us posted on how you make out!