Two questions in one

[amosgirl]

I moved a 55gal reef tank that was previously 4 years established, 4 days ago. I expected to get a "mini cycle" and it seems that I am seeing it. Tonight the only thing that is reading "not cycled" is the ammonia at .25, so I'm sure I will end up seeing nitrites, then nitrates. Anyway, any idea how long it might take to get through this mini cycle. LFS said maybe a week. Does that sound right?

Second question, There is a coral beauty in the tank and a watchman goby. Mr Beauty is doing a lot of chasing Mr Goby. Is this something that I should consider a red flag for adding fish in the future? Naturally the goby spends a lot of time hiding under the live rock. I would like to add some fish once the mini cycle is finished, but I don't want them to be terrorized.

Any pointers would be much appreciated!!!

 

[bertoni]

There's no telling how long the cycle will take, but a week isn't a bad guess, in my experience, although I saw effects for only a few days with my moves.

How long have both fish been living in the tank together?

 

[drummereef]

Has the tank gone through a nitrate and nitrite spike yet?

 

[amosgirl]

I know that both of the fish have been in there for more than a year. How much more than that, I can't say. I purchased and moved the whole system last week. I know that there has never been much in the way of corals in there. A few mushrooms, and 8 small clumps of starburst coral. Before I purchased the tank there was a clown fish that was sold. They said they didn't have any issues with the coral beauty nipping coral or anything, but based on what I have seen, I'm not sure that they just didn't really pay much attention.

 

[amosgirl]

No nitrite or nitrate yet, I'm sure they are on their way.

 

[drummereef]

Ok then, you are surely at the beginning of the cycle. Sometimes crappy test kits will give you .25 reading when there isn't any ammonia in the system. Just keep checking your levels and hopefully it will be a quick one. My guess is that it will be, but you just never know.

 

[amosgirl]

Thanks for the input everyone. As I'm sure you all know, I am getting anxious to "make some improvements" and add some color. I just want to make sure I am not taking things too fast or trying to contain the entire ocean in 55 gallons.

I am still wondering what to think about the coral beauty, but I guess I will just see what happens when I add new stock.