what cycling timeline do you use?

I know a lot of you guys and gals have very strict guidlines for cycling a new tank. Since I'm starting over with the 75 i thought it would be a good idea to ask for input. Thanks everyone.

 

Usually a month or so i guess but you'll see the nitrate cycle take place and if you record the tests you will be able to tell when its over. I really recommend reading up on this because every tank is a bit different.

 

Yes it is. I couldn't even really tell that my tank was cycling. My ammonia was just barely regestering, my nitrites were always 0 and my nitrates started at 10 and just steadily rose. I had my diatom phase, waited a few weeks and called it good. The LR/LS I had provided so much bacteria, it did not need to populate that much. I even stocked early and the bacteria kept up (That's breaking the rules. Don't be me.).

 

haha, yea I did the same. Stocked early than I should have. PLus I added rock and sand at the same time. What I'm really looking for is this:

Week 1-

Week 2-

Week 3-

Week 4-

Week 5-

Week 6-

Week 7-

Week 8-

Week 9-

Week 10-

Start stocking the tank...

Any help would be very much appreciated.

 

I go 12 to 14 weeks with a single yellow tailed damsel

 

I don't see Boredm mentioning if it's wth LR or base (I'm guessing it's LR) so maybe it's a good time for me to ask about this. What about cycling time with base rock? I read somewhere that there is barely to no curing time required.

 

I won't use L/R or L/sand either I use only base clean bleached pure everything when I start up a new tank. If I did use L/R it would be the same Weeks I have employed my ways for more yrs then I want to recall and its never given me any issues and I see no reason to change or fix anything thats not broken The newer guys who have truly tried it also find it works and they have far less issues and problems also

 

I use LR but I'm not adding anything but that and a cup of arag from the nursery. I remember reading OTTY's build thread and he started this way. So far he hasn't reported anything but success. So I guess this week being the first week I will construct the scape and add the sand and water and let it go for a month, then add a yellowtail for the next month. Then I think the tank will be up to handling other inhabitants. I only worry that my nursery will start falling apart like the 75 did.

BTW- I bleached my rock and soaked it in baking soda for 2 days. It's drying outside on my fire escape. I plan on using new substrate.

 

I am just talking off the cuff, but it seems to me that cycling would take a little longer with just BR. LR has the bacteria needed for the nitrogen cycle. Again this is off the cuff. I have a feeling that there is much more to cycling than just the nitrogen cycle itself. I would actually like an explanation on this one.

What do you think pros?

 

I would ask why wait a month to add the fish ? I add them the day I have it running then allow the 3 month or so bacteria come and go in a predetermined time and fashion that can be counted almost to the excate time what strain will be in there working..