Cycling a large reef tank

ibryson · 02/19/2019, 03:33 PM

I’m almost to the point where I’ll be adding rock/sand/water and want to make sure I do it correctly! Let me know what you think.

I’m setting up a 180g reef tank with a 35g sump. I’ll be adding 180lbs of reef saver rock and roughly 80lbs of Caribsea live sand. I’ll also add a rock from my current 40g tank to the sump during the cycle process. Will I even have to cycle the tank or will the live sand and rock in the sump be enough to go ahead and add a couple fish?

If I do need to cycle, would adding a couple jumbo shrimp be enough?

Or, is there a better way to go about doing this process?

FishAndPhysics · 02/19/2019, 03:50 PM

What is the life history of the live rock? Has it been out of water? If so, it needs to be cycled.

ibryson · 02/19/2019, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishAndPhysics

What is the life history of the live rock? Has it been out of water? If so, it needs to be cycled.

It’s in a current system. I’ve had this 40g running for about 3 years with 3 small fish. I plan to move them over to the 180g then use the 40g as a QT system.

FishAndPhysics · 02/19/2019, 03:58 PM

Right after I posted, I realized reef saver is a dry rock. Sorry for my confusion. Yes, I would cycle it, one rock and the live sand is not going to have enough bio capacity.

ibryson · 02/19/2019, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishAndPhysics

Right after I posted, I realized reef saver is a dry rock. Sorry for my confusion. Yes, I would cycle it, one rock and the live sand is not going to have enough bio capacity.

Do you think throwing a couple jumbo shrimp in for a few days will suffice? Since there will already be a beneficial bacteria presence the cycle shouldn’t take too long right? Maybe a week or two? I’d just like to avoid a 6-8 cycle process if possible

FishAndPhysics · 02/19/2019, 04:31 PM

I'd wait longer than a few days. I'd wait long enough that 1. you see the ammonia spike from the shrimp completely subside, then 2. add a bit more shrimp and check there isn't an ammonia spike. If there is return to 1. IMO, that may end up being a number of weeks.

Dmorty217 · 02/19/2019, 04:32 PM

TLC startsmart is what I have used for years to instantly cycle my QT tanks and also my 625g (800g total) system. Stuff really works, frag20 will get you 20% off if you want to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed

ibryson · 02/19/2019, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dmorty217

TLC startsmart is what I have used for years to instantly cycle my QT tanks and also my 625g (800g total) system. Stuff really works, frag20 will get you 20% off if you want to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed

Where do you purchase this at? Do they have their own website?

Dmorty217 · 02/19/2019, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibryson

Where do you purchase this at? Do they have their own website?

https://www.tlc-products.com/

You can also purchase it from Amazon

ibryson · 02/19/2019, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dmorty217

https://www.tlc-products.com/

You can also purchase it from Amazon

I’ll definitely check it out. So I will be able to add fish right away? I’ve always been hesitant to do this method but I’m sure it works!

Dmorty217 · 02/19/2019, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibryson

I’ll definitely check it out. So I will be able to add fish right away? I’ve always been hesitant to do this method but I’m sure it works!

Yes I have done it at least a dozen times

02/19/2019, 03:33 PM	#1
ibryson Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Missouri Posts: 73	Cycling a large reef tank I’m almost to the point where I’ll be adding rock/sand/water and want to make sure I do it correctly! Let me know what you think. I’m setting up a 180g reef tank with a 35g sump. I’ll be adding 180lbs of reef saver rock and roughly 80lbs of Caribsea live sand. I’ll also add a rock from my current 40g tank to the sump during the cycle process. Will I even have to cycle the tank or will the live sand and rock in the sump be enough to go ahead and add a couple fish? If I do need to cycle, would adding a couple jumbo shrimp be enough? Or, is there a better way to go about doing this process?

02/19/2019, 03:50 PM	#2
FishAndPhysics Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: NY Posts: 95	What is the life history of the live rock? Has it been out of water? If so, it needs to be cycled. __________________ 90 Gallon Mixed Reef with 20g sump Current Stock: 1 - Ocellaris Clownfish, 1 - Yellow Tang, 1 - Kole Yellow Eye Tang, 1 - unidentified hitchhiker goby, 1 - Coral Beauty, 3 - Lyretail Anthias.

02/19/2019, 03:58 PM	#4
FishAndPhysics Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: NY Posts: 95	Right after I posted, I realized reef saver is a dry rock. Sorry for my confusion. Yes, I would cycle it, one rock and the live sand is not going to have enough bio capacity. __________________ 90 Gallon Mixed Reef with 20g sump Current Stock: 1 - Ocellaris Clownfish, 1 - Yellow Tang, 1 - Kole Yellow Eye Tang, 1 - unidentified hitchhiker goby, 1 - Coral Beauty, 3 - Lyretail Anthias.

02/19/2019, 04:31 PM	#6
FishAndPhysics Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: NY Posts: 95	I'd wait longer than a few days. I'd wait long enough that 1. you see the ammonia spike from the shrimp completely subside, then 2. add a bit more shrimp and check there isn't an ammonia spike. If there is return to 1. IMO, that may end up being a number of weeks. __________________ 90 Gallon Mixed Reef with 20g sump Current Stock: 1 - Ocellaris Clownfish, 1 - Yellow Tang, 1 - Kole Yellow Eye Tang, 1 - unidentified hitchhiker goby, 1 - Coral Beauty, 3 - Lyretail Anthias.

02/19/2019, 04:32 PM	#7
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	TLC startsmart is what I have used for years to instantly cycle my QT tanks and also my 625g (800g total) system. Stuff really works, frag20 will get you 20% off if you want to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs