Tank cycling

[carrie1429]

I have heard many different answers on how long it takes a tank to cycle, but what is the best amount of weeks that is ideal for the fish and clean-up-crew, 3 weeks, 1 month? I have heard so many opinions I am not sure how long to let my tank cycle for. And how do you know when the tank is through cycling?

 

[jimi]

The reason there is so many different answers is it depends on what is in your tank set up. a tank started with alot of cured live rock and sand may not see a cycle at all. A tank with "dead" rocks or decoration may take two or more months. Give the complete breakdown of your tank.

 

[greenbird]

i would wait a month then test everything to make sure you have good water then i would add some starter fish see how they do then go from there good luck

 

[diverinva]

When you get to the point of adding fish go with something inexpensive. Damsels are my choice. When I first started out I bought a bunch of clowns because my LFS said they were a good starter fish. It was an expensive lesson. Since then I have moved my tank when I moved across country. When I started it up again the first thing I bought were damsels (after cycling it). Good luck and have fun...

 

[trigahappynigerog]

damsels are the best choice. cheaper, hardier, fun to watch.

 

[steelrain]

My 55 gal has been runnng for a little over a week with no live rock or sand and 5 damsels, my ammo has not really moved,it is at about .250 and has been that way since the day after I added the fish(12-27-01) is this normal? All the other specs are OK ph=8.2 temp=around 80 S.G = 1.023

 

[karlas]

the only way to tell if your tank is really done cycling is by testing ammonia, nitrites, nitrates when your amm and nitrites are at 0 and nitrates go up your tank is done then do water changes to lower nitrates. then add your clean up crew or a fish or 2. each tank is different u just have to wait and see what your test say

 

[rapt0r32]

And actually some say damsels are hard to get rid of so some people dont like using them. I found in the past that if a Lion Fish hasn't eaten in a bit. He is more than happy to take care of those damsels for you. Good Luck....

 

[fshhub]

get a pair of mollies, they are cheaper, non aggressive and even heartier, some lfs sell them acclimated for sw, they will live and evven breed in sw