Does this seem like a good idea?

[BloatedSwimBladder]

Hi all,
I am in the process of setting up by old 75g reef tank, since my 4-year-old daughter now has interest in fish :beer: I can assure you that her patience level is no where near what it needs to be for this hobby. So the first day I add water to the tank, she is going to want to buy 36 fish! So here is my idea, let me know if you think it will help.

I have old dry rock that I am bleaching. Once that is done, I will put the rock in a rubber made with saltwater, some live rock, and an ammonia source for a few weeks, while I build the sump and get all the parts needed for the tank. This should help to build the bacteria, so when I set up the tank, I should have a short cycle time.

Will this work?

 

[dkeller_nc]

Absolutely. Many folks cycle their dry rock in a tub of saltwater before putting it in the tank. The only caveat is that you'll need to monitor the cycle in the tub with an ammonia & nitrate kit just as you would in a tank.

That said, it's still a good idea to go slowly when stocking the tank.

 

[BloatedSwimBladder]

Thanks for the reply. I will test just like I am cycling, it will just be in a rubber made.

 

[Timfish]

It's exactly what I do. If you season as much water as possible that will help as well. I also start adding mushrooms and leathers with in a day or so as they are feeding off ammonia and will help take care of any spike.

 

[Sapelo]

Like the plan, love the 4 year old who gets her own tank! Good job!

 

[gone fishin]

As others have said it will work out great for you.

 

[BloatedSwimBladder]

Like the plan, love the 4 year old who gets her own tank! Good job!

Thanks for the encouragement! I am excited to get this tank going so that my little girl can learn all about reef tanks. As i told my wife......"I am sure she will want a bigger tank next year. I do not want some big monstrous tank, but if the princess wants one, we should probably look into it." :lolspin: