How To Cycle My QT

[bgbdwlf2500]

Originally Posted by Kevin34
http:///forum/post/2650786
Well I put the shrimp in. let the ammonia spike to about 1-1.25, took the shrimp out and now about 2 weeks later the ammonia still hasnt come down. Shouldnt the cycle be towards the end now?
will probably take 4-6 weeks, so no it shouldnt...

 

[kevin34]

Ok it still isnt cycled and I am probably going to have to break down the QT because it is leaking. I have another hex tank (20g) that I can use. If I transfer some water from my DT into the small hex will it that work? Or will I still have to cycle that water too? I know its already cycled but people have said to cycle it again.

I am really confused. But I am deffinately going to break down the QT setup now.

 

[sepulatian]

Biological bacteria colonizes on the surfaces, not in the water column. Adding the water from the QT is fine to do. Transfer any decorations, filter media, etc. as well. You should ghost feed it to be sure that it is cycled before adding any fish.

 

[kevin34]

Originally Posted by sepulatian
http:///forum/post/2694728
Biological bacteria colonizes on the surfaces, not in the water column. Adding the water from the QT is fine to do. Transfer any decorations, filter media, etc. as well. You should ghost feed it to be sure that it is cycled before adding any fish.
Sorry there was a typo. I meant to say I wanted to transfer water from my DT. When I do that do I need to do anything else to keep it cycled? The only thing that will be in the new QT that was also in the old one is the equipment (not the filter) and a container of sand for the jawfish that will be going in there.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Kevin34
http:///forum/post/2694821
Sorry there was a typo. I meant to say I wanted to transfer water from my DT. When I do that do I need to do anything else to keep it cycled? The only thing that will be in the new QT that was also in the old one is the equipment (not the filter) and a container of sand for the jawfish that will be going in there.
You will still have to cycle it. The water from the display will not cycle it. If you have a sponge filter or filter media from the display to add to the QT then that will shorten the cycle time. Just add a small amount of food to the QT and wait for the ammonia spike. Let it cycle through.

 

[kevin34]

Originally Posted by sepulatian
http:///forum/post/2695082
You will still have to cycle it. The water from the display will not cycle it. If you have a sponge filter or filter media from the display to add to the QT then that will shorten the cycle time. Just add a small amount of food to the QT and wait for the ammonia spike. Let it cycle through.
Ok. I'll fill it with new water and cycle it the old fashion way. Can you just clarify why using water from the DT wont work? It doesnt make sense to me. If the water from the DT is cycled why would it need to be cycled again once put into the QT?

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Kevin34
http:///forum/post/2695260
Ok. I'll fill it with new water and cycle it the old fashion way. Can you just clarify why using water from the DT wont work? It doesnt make sense to me. If the water from the DT is cycled why would it need to be cycled again once put into the QT?
Biological bacteria is not in the water column, perhaps in trace amounts, but not enough to make a difference. Biological bacteria colonizes on surfaces. That includes any filter media, the surfaces of the tank, decoration, etc.

 

[kevin34]

how often would I need to ghost feed the tank to make it cycle?

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Kevin34
http:///forum/post/2697026
how often would I need to ghost feed the tank to make it cycle?
Basically, you are just looking to get that initial ammonia spike. Add a food source and test daily. Once it spikes then remove the food. If you are using flakes, or something else small, then just stop adding them once you see the spike.