how long to cycle

[Octoberfest]

I know that testing is the only sure way to know when a tank is cycled but I'm just trying to get a decent idea of roughly how long it will take for my Nano to cycle.

Here is the plan.

I used new Southdown sand (had a bag in the garage) cleaned with RO water

Will be using several pieces of live rock from my 75 gallon reef tank that has been setup for about a 1 1/2 years.

Will be filling the bio-ball compartment with rock rubble (balls coming out).

Using water from the reef tank.

I'm not using damsels to cycle tank, might just put a cube of frozen food in there if I have to.

 

[fishes2889]

Maybe a week or two...

Steve

 

[saltycreefer]

You're already there,just let it run for a week or so.

 

[Grey Reefer]

Ditto. The live rock is already cured. So I would just give it a week or two to let some citters and bacteria get established in the sand. Test parameters and you're good to go.

 

[birdy607]

yep u should be good in a about a week

 

[Octoberfest]

Tested everything last night. I don't remember exactly what the numbers where but PH was good, nitrites were 0, ammonia was 0 and nitrates were about 20ppm. Salinity is around 1.025 and temp is 78. Think I should still wait? There are some pods running around at night. The only thing that sucks right now is the air bubbles. It's all coming up from the sand, guess I didn't mix it around enough, I'm sure it will be like that for a bit until they work their way out. I put one hermit in there last night and he's doing his thing.

Should I still wait on the clowns?

 

[birdy607]

well whatch the crab for a while see how hes does when i started this fall i put an emerald and 3 types of snails (margerita,trocus,turbo by the way steer clear of the turbo!)
is there a fish store near you that can test your water for you just to be sure? thats what i would do then make your decision

 

[Octoberfest]

yeah there is but I trust me testing it over them any day of the week. I'm going to wait until the middle or end of next week before I put them in.

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8822152#post8822152 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by birdy607
by the way steer clear of the turbo!)

why?

i am trying to make a list for my cleaners..turbos where on there i am curious to know why i shouldnt use them?

 

[[WDT]TardFarmer]

possibly because they knock frags over?

 

[Octoberfest]

Could also be because of how much the eat and it's possible in such a small tank they could run out of food.

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

would one turbo be suitable?