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Innovative Marine Aquariums

Cycling question


lsueprma

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Is it that possible to cycle a 10g tank in a week?

 

 

The configuration of my 10g tank is

1. Tetra Tec PF 150 w/ heater, and I leave carbon in there

2. CSL SmartLite-Retrofit 32 watt

3. About 16 pounds LR

4. 20 pounds LS

5. RO water

6. Instant Ocean salt

 

 

Result from Saltwater master liquid test kit on 7th day

1. Ammonia 0

2. Nitriate 0

3. Nitrate 5.0mg/L

 

On 4th day, part of the sand bed and rocks became tan or brown color. I am thinking it may be blue-green algea or brown algea. some worms and some form of corals appeared on the LR. I would assume my tank is doing OK so far.

 

Q: Is that really possible to finish the cycling in 7 days?

Q: Or the cycle really hasn't even started?

Q: Do I need to remove the carbon from the filter?

Q: Is that OK to put in some cleanup crew, e.g. snail or crab now?

 

Thanks in advance!

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Well, I'm sure most agree that your best bet is to wait. Is your water RO or RO DI? I advise RODI water. You should add a few test kits to your current ones, ph, alk., salinity, at least. I would not add a cleaning crew yet. I ran carbon at first as well, I was advised against it by many peeps who's opinion I respect. There is a poll on it (home page) Now these pieces don't really have anything to do with cycling, just some heads up. But, deffinitely wait a week or 2 or 3 and see what happens. Better safe than sorry. Also, I've seen the Tt PF's, how do you like it? How's the current?

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Yes, I actaully have those test kits as well, I just forgot to post the result for those tests.

Here you are:

Salinity: 1.023

PH : 8.3

 

For Pt PF 150, I like it. I heard some complain about it was too noise. Well, I don't hear anything from it. And the water flow is adjustable. And the maximal flow is ideal for a nano tank. The only complain I have is the external heater is pricy though. It is about $30 which is more than the filter itself. )&*&)*( But having an external heater is definitly making my tank better.

 

Thanks.

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  • 1 month later...

lsueprma,

 

I have a very similar setup as you and just started the tank a few days ago.

 

One question, are you leaving your lights on for any time period during your cycle? I have read so much conflicting advice, but would like to know what you are doing.

 

Thanks!

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Yes, I am also using the Eclipse System 12 here, which I setup on June 1, 2003:

 

Eclipse 12 gal

12 lb LR

Seeding my own LS bed

Using boi wheel for now [until cycle is complete]

Rio 800

50 wt heater

Default lighting [for now]

 

Current Parameters:

 

Ammonia = 0.01

Nitrite = 1.0

PH = 8.2

Temp = 78/79

 

Cant wait for the Nitrite to drop, so I can add a few crabs ;)

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