strategies for first cycle of DT/QT

[LuizW13]

When you're starting a new build, which do you start cycling first, the DT or the QT? Can you cycle them in parallel? Should you cycle the DT and use some of that water to fill the QT? Can anyone outline some steps for us noobies??

 

[JimON]

Hi Luiz, I'd say whatever is ready to cycle should start. Why not?

 

[LuizW13]

lol, thanks Jim!

Do you cycle the QT the same way as a DT, yes, right?

 

[JimON]

Yep, Ammonia--->Nitrite----> Nitrate. As long as you have this flow, it will work!:spin3:

 

[Sk8r]

hook em up and let the system run. Add a micro pinch of flake food to the tank daily, and when test shows ammonia and then no-ammonia next day, do it five more days to be sure. Then you're cycled.

 

[LuizW13]

Thanks guys!

I've read and watched plenty, but i just want to make sure i'm doing everything correctly.

I wish my checking account was as excited as i am right now:hmm4:

 

[JimON]

I wish my checking account was as excited as i am right now:hmm4:

I heard that.... You are not alone!

 

[Sk8r]

Lol---we ALL remember. Best thing to do while watching one hopeful little speck of life on a rock wave in the current is to start planning your fish (with due consultation of size/space requirements---don't push it! your fish will thank you) and acquiring your tests that follow the nitrate ammonia thing. [Alkalinity---and for stony reefs, calcium and magnesium) Before you buy fish, you can set up your qt tank...but first visit (shudder) the fish disease forum so you can learn what to watch out for while purchasing fish. There is NO reason why you can't buy some inverts to live in your qt tank right now, awaiting the day four weeks from now (usual) when they can move into your dt and a single!!!! fish can take up residence in the qt. It all will happen: if you research well, it will happen neatly and without problems.

 

[LuizW13]

I should be cycling water by this weekend!

So if the inverts can be live in the qt for several weeks before moving into the DT, what do they eat? Wouldn't the QT be free of algae? If all i'm going to have in the qt is a an air stone and heater, i'll have to do frequent water changes to make sure the water is good- wouldn't that also keep the qt from growing invert food? I'm not even sure if that made sense lol