Cycling Time and Going Out of Town

[Tobman]

In your experience, how long does it take the cycle to finish using TBS rock?

I am considering ordering the rock soon, doing the requisite water changes (daily) until the cycle is over. My only worry is that I need to leave town for about 5-6 days the week of Oct. 23. If I were to get the rock into the tank sometime next week, would that give me enough time, or would it be foolish to leave the tank after only 2 to 2 1/2 weeks?

 

[HowardW]

Most tanks will generally complete the cycle within 2-3 weeks or sooner unless you don't remove a possible rotting sponge or something, and using Seachem Stability will help speed along the cycle measurably in my experiences.

 

[Jocko]

Well I think we all know the ideal thing would be to delay the delivery of your rock until you got back. But nobody is going to pretend that that would be an easy decision to make!