New 30Gal

ILLBEEDAT · #1 07/26/2006, 07:45 PM

Starting a new 30gal fish only tank how long should it take to cycle and should I add damsels for the cycle or can I just let it cycle with water only.

sir_dudeguy · #2 07/26/2006, 08:02 PM

no do not add damsels..and do you have live rock or no? if you've got cured live rock it would be ready in a few days...if you have uncured, or no rock, then it can take up to about 6 weeks..and dont add the damsels...use a dead cocktail shrimp instead.

i've also heard that you can pee in ur tank to cycle it, but i wouldnt do that

chip721 · #3 07/26/2006, 08:03 PM

A nitrogen cycle can take anywhere from two to a few weeks. I would not subject a fish to those harsh conditions. Get a cup full of sand from an established tank or use an adequate ammount of live rock. Gauge the progress of the cycle with Ammonia (NH4), Nitrite (NO2) and Nitrate (NO3) test kits. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Russian123 · #4 07/26/2006, 08:04 PM

I cant imagine why you would pee in your tank, although Pee has high levels of amonia..still just say no thats weird and just not good for anybody especailly if your seem

lilprincess · #5 07/26/2006, 08:05 PM

Should take several weeks to cycle. Make sure you are checking your param's along the way. After your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate have all spiked and gone back down to zero, you should be good to go. Are you going to add live rock or live sand? You can use LR to cycle the tank, but don't use a damsel for cycling. If not you can pick up a little from your lfs (or neighboring hobbyist) just to seed your tank.

meco65 · #6 07/26/2006, 08:11 PM

Put about 30 lbs live rock in that size tank and you will more than likely cycle in a few days. But remember you just have to go slow with saltwater tanks. Add fish slowly and dont over stock. Lots of luck.

ILLBEEDAT · #7 07/26/2006, 08:44 PM

I also put ten gal of saltwater from my 55gal reef dont want any live rock in this tank just fish should I add a clean-up crew now or after the cycle.