help getting water established

[JE]

i FINNNNNALLY got my 100 gallon going yesterday. would anyone recommend anything to speed up getting my water established. or should i just wait it out.......

 

[peezee]

wait it out.

 

[mikedege]

Using water,sand and rock, from an established tank will help tremendously.

-mike

 

[john37]

take some of my water when i do a water change.

 

[All Delight]

Add cured live rock. I bought live bacteria from the LFS. Its was cold in the refrigerator. Don't know if it helped, but I put it in any ways.

 

[sarwa]

I agree with John37. I fill up half of a new tank with water from friend's tanks that are doing water changes. Just make sure the source is healthy and bug free.

 

[laverda]

I have used live sand and live rock from established tanks as well as 50% used water setting up 5 different tanks and never had a measurable cycle that way. Added fish and coral the same day I set my last nano cube and all are doing fine 3 months later.

 

[john37]

if you've got jugs let me know and i'll tell you when i do a water change.

**please no jokes about the jugs**

 

[JE]

thanks!! i have a about 7 jugs......let me know when you are ready and i can shoot them down to you.

 

[Konadog]

jjb81speed, no offence to any replies here but if I were you, I would wait it out. Don't start out on the wrong foot by trying to speed up the process of making a stable, established tank. Do things right the first time. Start with good quality LR, new water, and time. If you get into the habit of trying to take shortcuts, you'll end up paying for it down the road.

 

[JE]

since it took me so long to finish my tank i dont want to do anything to ruin all my work. i am reconsidering adding used water and waiting it out if there is something that will happen if i do that. thanks for the input.....

what are the possible negative effects on my tank that can occur by this? anybody else try this before?

 

[john37]

higher nitrates. i dont know maybe after you see my tank you wont want my water. It's really up to you.

 

[energy_crisis]

Use skimmate...it's sort of like concentrated water, just add a cup to your tank of new, fresh salt water. J/K

 

[jjirsa78]

The denitrifying bacteria isn't free floating in the water - you'll get virtually none by using 'used' water. You will get some using live sand and live rock, but not water.

I say wait it out. Too many bad things you can import, too little to gain.

 

[Konadog]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8400354#post8400354 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjb81speed
what are the possible negative effects on my tank that can occur by this? anybody else try this before?

A lot of people do this, thinking they are adding bacteria..... etc. In reality, they are just adding dirty water with little benefit. It's what's in the rock, and surrounding each sand grain that has what you want.

Using water from someone's tank, you could be adding Ick, flat worms, hydroids...... etc and not even know it. Heck, you can do that on your own later without anyone's help!

Develop good husbandry now, and thank yourself later.

 

[Corriander]

There is no subsitute for patience in this hobby. Just sit back and let the tank chill for a month.

 

[DANNY G2004]

this is what I did I had a 75 and moved fish coral and rocks to a 180g tank with a 60g sump I only I did not used any water from my old tank all the water came from UCSB spiget .....I did not lose a single item that was transfere to the 180

 

[Yinger]

even with all new water, your cycle shouldn't be too long if you have established live rock and sand. I'd say about a week. I set up my tank with all new salt water and my cycle took a little over a week with skimming and good circulation.