cycleing a 125

so thanks to wonderful craigslist just picked up a 125 with lights, protein skimmer, UV sterilizer, about 200lbs of live rock for $500.

Any way just got it filled up Tuesday the previous owner had it set up right before we bought it. I am assuming I am going to have to cycle this thing? would it be wise to take the crap in my skimmer in the my 55 that has been up and running for over 8 months to help get this thing going? And what about taking some of the water from my 55?

 

i would set it up with new sand the liverock and new sw and in 2weeks test the water (ammonia and nitrite) and if everything was good id add my livestock and rock from the 55g

 

Nope, Do not by any means put that skimmer waste in your tank. Just let it cycle on it's own. Use a raw piece of shrimp to boost the process. You can also use a product such as "cycle" or "stress zyme" to initiate the cycle process. Using the water from your 55 is not necessary.

 

Yeah we did put all new sand and water in it. The only thing that is going to go in the 125 from my 55 is the carpet nem but that I will wait a while for that move. we are keeping 55 going in our office.

 

Gotcha I will go get some shrimp tomorrow and toss it in

 

cool sounds good to me

 

K+ nailed it.

 

I agree with the shrimp idea (at least I hope I do) since I am cycling a 90 right now and just tossed a jumbo coctail shrimp in.

Here is a question that may benefit us both... should the skimmer be off at this time? When should it be turned on for good?

 

im doing the same cycle and no leave the skimmer off is what ive always been told i will only prolong the cycle

 

I did all the tests last night. Ammonia was about 0, nitrites about 0, and nitrates barely registering. Sooooo either:

A. The cycle hasnt even STARTED YET (the tank has been running for weeks), if this is the case, I am going to be one unhappy dude.
or
B. The cycle is done, which would surprise me as well, but at least would be a good thing.