I just setup my 20G long QT. To make the cycle run faster, I put some flake food, 1 live rock from DT and 1 filter pad from sump. Both of those have been in there for several days. Point to note, I am running cholorquine phosphate in the DT for 2 weeks now. I wanted to know if this will speed the cycle process in QT? If not, how about if I use Bio-Spira. How long does that take in a 20G system?
QT Cycling from DT liverock + filterpad
- Thread starter tc2007
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Spar
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Yes, all the bacteria from the LR and filter pad will greatly speed up the cycle, getting you to a healthy bacteria level quickly. How big is the piece of LR, and how long had the filter pad been running, both are going to play a part in 'how quick' as well. If the answer is "small" or "not long [less than a week]", then bio-spira would help; otherwise you likely have enough bacteria seeded from those items.
Live rock is bigger than a grapefruit and been there for several weeks. The sponge was put in there for a week or more. I also have a Seachem purigen bag in the sump for several days now running in the QT filter. When I run medications in the QT, the purigen, carbon bag from the filter and liverock are going to be out though.
Spar
New member
just keep an eye on ammonia, and if it starts to increase (even .25ppm), add in some bacteria-in-a-bottle at that point, after doing a 33%-50% water change. and as long as not copper in the system, any ammonia detox will save the day.
really is very little to worry about as long as persistent on parameter checking for a while.
your LFS should have some ammonia badges that you can get a visual reading on at all times; just sticks to the side/front of the tank, nice and easy. i prefer to check with API testkits as well, but the instant visual check is worth its weight in gold when an issue jumps out of nowhere.
really is very little to worry about as long as persistent on parameter checking for a while.
your LFS should have some ammonia badges that you can get a visual reading on at all times; just sticks to the side/front of the tank, nice and easy. i prefer to check with API testkits as well, but the instant visual check is worth its weight in gold when an issue jumps out of nowhere.
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