Timeline for New Tank

[Mare100]

Hi Everybody!

Just want to start out by saying I'm new to RC and fairly new to the hobby. I really am enjoying reading all the threads and am learning alot! Now...my big question... ...

Currently, we have a 55 gallon fish only tank whose occupants are 1 Moon Wrasse, 1 Clown and 1 Scooter Blenny. The tank and all the guys are doing great and we would now like to begin undertaking our next project. We want to set up a 120 gal. reef tank. During the startup of the FO tank, we followed very closely the advice of our LFS. They are great and I'm so glad they didn't get tired of us popping in every week saying "can we get more fish yet?"...LOL. However...we were patient and waited for the tank to cycle and it is doing well. It took 6 weeks to go through the nitrogen cycle.

We are also following their advice closely with the setup of our next tank.....but I just wanted to ask for some opinions on a subject. One of the guys that works there told us that for a reef tank....we will have to wait approx. 6 months until it is cycled and ready for fish. That's okay if that is what is truly best....but our only worry with this is our little Scooter Blenny "Jack". I've been reading that sometimes these little guys can starve to death if they don't have live rock and "live" stuff to "graze" on throughout the day. We've had him about a week and So far...we've been "target" feeding him with a stick. He's been eating what we've been offering.....frozen brine shrimp...frozen mysis shrimp....fresh bits of clam strips...But I'm afraid that over time...if he isn't in a more suitable tank....he won't do well.

My question is....if we set up the tank.....using a little water from the existing tank....and live rock to start the cycle.....will it really take 6 months? I just worry about the little guy in that time period?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Mare

[RobNJ]

To Reef Central

6 Months?! They must be crazy, maybe for some types of corals and inverts it is a good idea to have a 6 month or older tank.

A cycle with live rock should take about 4-6 weeks, water changes and a good skimmer you should have tank inhabitants within 6-8 weeks.

Cheers,
Rob

[HBtank]

No, in fact, after the tanks cycles you want to have tank inhabitantsjust to keep the bacteria in the live rock fed and the tank healthy.

Whoever told you that must have been talking about how long a tank takes to get "established" but not how long you have to wait to start slowly adding fish. If he did, he is wrong.

[Mare100]

Thanks!

I thought the "6 month" frame sounded a little bit much. As you mentioned, I'm sure he probably meant it would be about 6 months until the tank was "good and established". I just didn't want to rush into things and risk harm to any fish or corals.....especially since the corals/inverts are a new experience for me.

Heading down to meet with the guy in about an hour.....will clarify.

Getting VERY excited about starting this new tank! I'll be back soon with LOTS of questions!

Thanks again!!

Mare

[WaterKeeper]

Hi Mare,

Usually it takes 4-10 weeks for a tank to be fully ready for use. For the most part it depends on the LR used. Placing uncured LR in a tank to cure means a protracted period where using fully cure can mean a tank up and running in a month or less.

You of course can add water from an existing tank but it really won't help shorten much unless you start with a tank without LR or LS. The LR itself provides all the beneficial bacteria that the tank will need and in far greater quantities than can be added with using existing tank water.

If you haven't done so try reading- The New Tank Thread for a full discussion of this and all new tank factors.