cycling a new tank

[maryjane66979]

got my new 40g tank up, full of water, live sand going to get my live rock today. my question is...i used 20g of water out of my tank thats been up and running for 2 years, do i still need to wait a month for this tank to cycle if half the water is new and half from my other tank?

 

[beaslbob]

Originally Posted by maryjane66979
http:///forum/post/3237907
got my new 40g tank up, full of water, live sand going to get my live rock today. my question is...i used 20g of water out of my tank thats been up and running for 2 years, do i still need to wait a month for this tank to cycle if half the water is new and half from my other tank?
The used water will help but don't count on it alone. The aerobac bacteria grow more on solid surfaces like roacks and sand then in the actual water column.
IMHO adding macro algaes in a refugium is the best to prevent the ammonia and nitrite spikes. Because the macros actually prefer to consume ammonia over the nitrates.
In any event I would take tests to monitor the tank. I also recommend a single male molly be added a week or so after initial setup. Then do not add food for a week. During the second week start feeding a single flake per day. Once the molly has lived for 2-3 weeks you have a very strong indication the tank has matured and cycled.
my .02

 

[florida joe]

somewhere Henry is saying wait for it wait for it. let me think about it for a minute and while i think you also think how water from another tank will help you cycle faster.
OK i have taxed my brain enough the answer is YES you still have to wait. Now if you research why you can tell the next hobbyists asking the question the answer,
BTW there has never been any documentation stating nitrification causing bacteria will colonize within the water column. an established tank has the fixed bacterial colonization which is utilizing any ammonia introduced into your tank

 

[maryjane66979]

thanks. waiting is not a big deal as i still have no idea what im going to put in this tank. i was just curious if adding old water from my other tank would change anything....i guess that goes for the live rock as well huh? if i took some out of my other tank for the new tank instead of new rock....

....just curious.

 

[florida joe]

..i guess that goes for the live rock as well huh? if i took some out of my other tank for the new tank instead of new rock....
no that would help please refresh your knowledge on the nitrogen cycle