cycling tank with LR, LS, old filter from another tank.

[jcdeng]

Hey guys, if I set up a new tank with a filter from another tank, LR from another tank, new Live sand, and refugium with chaeto from another tank, will I ever see an ammonia/nitrate spike? if not how to tell if cycling is done?

Thanks

 

[prattreef]

There is a very good chance you won't see a cycle. Which means the tank is cycled If this happens, just add livestock slowly so the bacteria can grow appropriately with the bio-load.

 

[jcdeng]

oh thanks, well I will still wait a bit longer for the water to age, better safe than sorry, lol.

 

[andylee]

If you look at my tank thread, that' pretty much what I did when I upgraded. I couldn't run the new tank to let it cycle because it had to go where the old tank was. I did not spike any parameters. I did not have the luxury of waiting, because my livestock had to go into the new tank. Just about everything made it (small load, though; only 2 clownfish and a bunch of softies and LPS).http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/tank-threads/120127-57-zeroedge.html

 

[jcdeng]

good to know, thanks andy, crazy looking tank you got there!

 

[Imbarrie]

Most of the bio filter is within the LR so it makes sense you may not see a noticeable spike. I am sure there will be some smaller amount of cycling because the sand will take some time to mature and stratify.

I would go light on feeding and slowly increase the amount until you are sure you have an appropriate biological system in place.

 

[jcdeng]

Most of the bio filter is within the LR so it makes sense you may not see a noticeable spike. I am sure there will be some smaller amount of cycling because the sand will take some time to mature and stratify.

I would go light on feeding and slowly increase the amount until you are sure you have an appropriate biological system in place.

there is no fish in there yet, just some CUC, I gave 1 2mm size pellet yesterday in the tank and I see all the little creatures coming out of hiding and rushing to it, so fun. gotta love the diversity of reef keeping!!