cycling without a tank?

[mister crabs]

well.....some unforseen medical expenses has delayed my purchase of the aquapod 24g with 70w MH so I was wondering if its possible to get a jump start on the cycle of the LR and LS I already purchased by mixing my saltwater and letting it all run in a rubbermaid tub with a powerhead? Anyone ever done this? I have a couple of coralife 50/50 screw-in bulbs laying around from my aggressive freshwater tank that I could throw over it if light is necessary. I also have a fluval canister filter if i gotta have a filter during cycle. All help is appreciated since I cant get my tank for about 3-4 more weeks and dont want to wait another month after taht for it to cycle.


And has anyone succesfully gotten drsfostersmith.com or any other online retailer to substitute the 150w sunpod for the 70w sunpod for an additional charge?

Thanks for help in advance:rollface:

 

[DRC69]

Sure you can do that. How much do you have (LBS)??
A powerhead is ok and a heater. I have about 60lbs cooking now.
No light or filter and its been about 2 months. A couple of weeks no problem. Any longer and some light and you might need to feed it.
Do it.

 

[mister crabs]

i got about 30 lbs in a rubbermaid with a heater and a pump.....should be ok then? Im trying to reduce my cycling time once i actually get my tank

 

[DRC69]

Yep that will work. It might go thru a little cycle but no big deal.
Good clean-up crew will be very important at the beginning.
Make sure you have one ready. And good aged saltwater.