It cycled real quick. Its only 12 gallons. I used live rock, live sand. I also was at my LFS when they were getting ready to do a water change. We did a water test and every was OK. So I just loaded up with their water. I think I just got real lucky with everything. It cycled in less then a week. I was amazed. I waited some time before I started to add anything. The Hammer and the tree were just added over the weekend. I test my water daily just to make sure for right now. I do water changes of 10% each week. I dont have any fish just coral in there right now. I have 8 hermit crabs, 2 turbos, one unknown snail; it was a hitchhiker, and a pepperment shrimp.