Trying to avoid a cycle on a new tank..

It could work.. all depends on how many fish and bioballs.
;D

 

It sounds like you want a bare bottom tank for ease of cleaning. I would recommend then having a sump with lots of rock and even a section with a DSB if there is room. A skimmer is also advisable and that will allow you to cut down on W/Cs. I would have the biggest possible sump with such a small amount of water in your system you are heading for disaster.
I have a few friends who are large breeders of clowns and that is how their system are set up. If you expand and add more breeding pair you can add more tanks to a large sump. Good Luck.
What are you breeding?

 

Well, I guess there really is no way to avoid the notorious cycle. I seem to remember reading about setting up QT tanks and how if you use water from an old water change you can avoid a cycle....guess not. However I am hopeful that I can control water parameters by doing frequent water changes once the cycle is over, even with the shoddy filtration. A sump/skimmer/fuge would be great, but the money/space is not there. I just really thought I could avoid having to wait for the cycle to run its course, but I suppose I have learned the 'patience is best' lesson (not the first time, haha). Thanks to all who contributed.

BTW, I'm breeding (or hope to I should say) ocellaris clowns.