Question about the cycle

alexkharden · 02/05/2016, 12:36 AM

So, I have about 80 pounds of aragonite. I know that's only about half of what I need for my 190g dt, ish, but here's what I'm thinking about doing. Please tell me if it'll help. Once I'm filled up and my sg is correct, I was going to put on 40# bag in the DT, and one 40# bag in the fuge. In two weeks I'm making a road trip to Florida to pick up a bunch of live sand and live rock from Tampa Bay saltwater. My thought was, that by putting in the 80# and cycling the tank, I might be able to minimize the cycling I'll have in a few weeks with the TBS rock/sand. I know I'll have a new cycle at that point, but I'm thinking it might not be as bad or as long by doing it this way.

Does this thought process seem reasonable?

MaLi · 02/05/2016, 04:57 AM

My opinion Alex;
two weeks is not a long time to run a cycle. You can start it (add a shrimp) but your tank will be on its way. As far as adding saltwater rocks there is risk. If those rocks were cured for a few months in a drum with a skimmer you might be Ok. If they were just harvested from Florida shore I can guarantee you will have a cycle to care for. There will be things dying off those rocks.
It's a good plan, but be prepared to react properly.

hope it helps,
MaLi

alexkharden · 02/05/2016, 09:57 AM

Oh I'm definitely prepared for another cycle, I was just thinking since there would already be bacteria in there that there would already be some ammonia processing power going on, helping to minimize cycle number 2.

alexkharden · 02/05/2016, 09:59 AM

Oh, and the rocks are cultivated in the Gulf of Mexico, shipped in water.

02/05/2016, 12:36 AM	#1
alexkharden Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Evansville, Indiana Posts: 336	Question about the cycle So, I have about 80 pounds of aragonite. I know that's only about half of what I need for my 190g dt, ish, but here's what I'm thinking about doing. Please tell me if it'll help. Once I'm filled up and my sg is correct, I was going to put on 40# bag in the DT, and one 40# bag in the fuge. In two weeks I'm making a road trip to Florida to pick up a bunch of live sand and live rock from Tampa Bay saltwater. My thought was, that by putting in the 80# and cycling the tank, I might be able to minimize the cycling I'll have in a few weeks with the TBS rock/sand. I know I'll have a new cycle at that point, but I'm thinking it might not be as bad or as long by doing it this way. Does this thought process seem reasonable?

02/05/2016, 04:57 AM	#2
MaLi Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 532	My opinion Alex; two weeks is not a long time to run a cycle. You can start it (add a shrimp) but your tank will be on its way. As far as adding saltwater rocks there is risk. If those rocks were cured for a few months in a drum with a skimmer you might be Ok. If they were just harvested from Florida shore I can guarantee you will have a cycle to care for. There will be things dying off those rocks. It's a good plan, but be prepared to react properly. hope it helps, MaLi __________________ Enjoy your time reefing ! Current Tank Info: 90G Perfecto Mfg. Cube, 20G sump, DIY 24 LED light fixture + 250 MH, DIY Arduino controller, Reef Octopus 1000 LSS skimmer

02/05/2016, 09:57 AM	#3
alexkharden Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Evansville, Indiana Posts: 336	Oh I'm definitely prepared for another cycle, I was just thinking since there would already be bacteria in there that there would already be some ammonia processing power going on, helping to minimize cycle number 2.

02/05/2016, 09:59 AM	#4
alexkharden Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Evansville, Indiana Posts: 336	Oh, and the rocks are cultivated in the Gulf of Mexico, shipped in water.