New TBS tank question

[Melbourne]

Hi,
I'm starting up a new SW Reef with a 20 gallon package from TBS. I plan on ordering it for aircargo delivery to LGA next Saturday. I have to leave for a 2 week business trip at the end of May (so that gives me 3 weeks to cycle the tank). Is that a safe margin or should I wait until I get back to place my order. My main concern is that my wife may not be able to maintain the tank if it is still going through a cycle.
I'm putting the 20 gallon Package in a 29, and I also plan on ordering one or two small base LR in the same order for a 12 gallon "bad critter" tank for anything I have to pull from the main tank.
From other folks that have cycled their tank with the first part of the package how much maintenance is involved after that (before you get the second shipment). I was thinking it would be fairly minimal - water top off, invert feeding and thats it. I would be running carbon the entire time as well, if that helps.

My setup below:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=364687&highlight=TBS

Thanks,
-Mike

 

[nuts590]

I would personally say wait just to be safe. And hold off on the carbon, just run a skimmer w/ a pair of powerheads for movement. Keep an ammonia test kit VERY handy...

If you can ignore the bickering and read for the "meat and potatoes" this thread is very helpful:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=329617

hth

 

[Slatts]

I did alot of water changes with the first half, others didn't. My ammonia was up about 1 ppm for 12-13 days and didn't fully cycle for 3 weeks. Everyone is different. I wouldn't leave it alone. There could be alot to do. HTH and good luck.

 

[Melbourne]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice. I have upgraded my skimmer and PH's as a result of input from folks here. I replaced the lee's skimmer with a Remora, and the Maxijet with two Powersweep 226's for water movement. I also added a CPR 13" Aquafuge which has a small RIO PH, not sure if that adds much to the water movement, but does add water volume. Did you undersize your TBS packages or go with the recommended amount?

-Mike

I thought about adding a sump to increase my water volume, but the cost of about $160 or so for the CPR overflow and Magdrive / etc. is questionable since I can only fit about a 6 gallon tank under my stand.

 

[hdtran]

I personally undersized, but more as a matter of taste.

The Powersweeps will eventually stop sweeping.

Remora is an excellent skimmer.

The Aquafuge is a nice toy, and will help (esp. once you get fish) keep your nitrates under control.

 

[Melbourne]

Hi,
Just a quick update:

I ordered the TBS package 20 gallon for myself, a 10 gallon package for a friend, and an extra 10 lbs of LS / base LR for my mantis tank. I also upgraded my 29 to a 37 gallon AGA tank (just 4 " taller so I could keep my existing lights). Picked up an Amiracle overflow (Lifereef was out of stock ), and plan on setting up the 29 gallon as a sump. I figure that should give me about 69 gallons or so of water volume with the CPR fuge. Shipment is supposed to be arriving tomorrow

-Mike