Mini cycle after DT fallow for 4 weeks?

tj1627 · 08/06/2012, 09:07 PM

Hi all,

It looks like my DT has cycled (0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 40ppm nitrates) and as long as these test results stay this way for a week, I'm going to buy my first fish. (checked my stock list with Snorvich - very good sticky up there!).

My question is if my first fish are in QT for the next 4 weeks, can I expect die off of the bacteria in my tank? Will it be something to worry about?

Planning on getting 2 small ocellaris as my first fish and they'll be in QT together.

Let me know if you need more info.

TIA

-Tim

Maaka · 08/06/2012, 09:14 PM

You could still ghost feed the tank every now and then to keep up the population of bacteria.

tj1627 · 08/07/2012, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maaka

You could still ghost feed the tank every now and then to keep up the population of bacteria.

I think I'll do that. I plan on getting a small CUC from reefcleaners (eventually larger, but not until the tank is more stocked) while my first fish are in QT. I suppose the ghost feeding will be all that they need? I know many of the CUC members are detrivores but with no fish present, they should do OK on food from the ghost feeding?

Thanks,
Tim

Soggytoes · 08/07/2012, 07:17 AM

definitely get a small cuc but I would stay away from snails or anything that will depend on algae for survival. Small feedings and the cuc will keep your bacteria colonized.

tj1627 · 08/07/2012, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soggytoes

definitely get a small cuc but I would stay away from snails or anything that will depend on algae for survival. Small feedings and the cuc will keep your bacteria colonized.

No snails at all? I thought some were detrivores. If no snails, what would some good early CUC inhabitants be?

Soggytoes · 08/07/2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tj1627

No snails at all? I thought some were detrivores. If no snails, what would some good early CUC inhabitants be?

I would start with a few hermits and maybe a few Nassarius - they scavengers that will feed on your ghost feedings. They will also help stir sand. Once you start seeing diatoms and some algae you can add a few other types of snails like ceriths or nerites.

08/06/2012, 09:07 PM	#1
tj1627 I Dated a Robot Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Downers Grove, IL Posts: 303	Mini cycle after DT fallow for 4 weeks? Hi all, It looks like my DT has cycled (0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 40ppm nitrates) and as long as these test results stay this way for a week, I'm going to buy my first fish. (checked my stock list with Snorvich - very good sticky up there!). My question is if my first fish are in QT for the next 4 weeks, can I expect die off of the bacteria in my tank? Will it be something to worry about? Planning on getting 2 small ocellaris as my first fish and they'll be in QT together. Let me know if you need more info. TIA -Tim __________________ -Tim They’ve done studies, you know. Sixty percent of the time, it works every time. Current Tank Info: 75 Gal Marineland Tank, 40B AGA Sump: Vertex Omega 150 Skimmer + Vectra Cleaner, 2x Radion XR30W G2, 2x Jebao WP-10, 2x Ecotech Vortech MP10w, Waveline DC-4000 Return Pump, Red Sea Coral Pro Salt

08/06/2012, 09:14 PM	#2
Maaka Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lima, Ohio Posts: 329	You could still ghost feed the tank every now and then to keep up the population of bacteria.

08/07/2012, 07:17 AM	#4
Soggytoes Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 132	definitely get a small cuc but I would stay away from snails or anything that will depend on algae for survival. Small feedings and the cuc will keep your bacteria colonized.