michael_t
Member
A “Cycle” is a period of highly toxic water which will most likely kill tank inhabitants. The end result of a cycle is a balanced ecosystem that can support salt water life.
A “cycle” is SW hobbyist term used to describe the natural process where dead material decomposes into (mostly) safe components to be reused by the reef. As this material decomposes it releases Ammonia which is converted into Nitrites which is converted into the safer Nitrates.
Having said, that when you “establish” a new tank what you are doing is inviting bacteria to cultivate in the tank to convert waste material. This invitation period is what most people coin as “The Cycle”. Bacterium is an essential part of the life and food chain of the saltwater world. Once bacterial levels grow large enough Ammonia and Nitrites can be naturally eliminated from the tank and fish can be added.
Anytime you add uncured live rock to a tank the dead material will go thru the process of decomposing or “cycling” producing higher than normal levels of ammonia and nitrites.
If you are adding sand you have added a large volume or zone which is not populated with bacteria. This zone can not break down the waste it collects which can cause the tank to become unbalanced. Until it is cultivated with bacterial you could have a “mini cycle” starting.
In conclusion unless you move 100% of an established tank to a new tank you will have a cycle. In other words you will have a period of highly toxic water which will most likely kill fish.
A “cycle” is SW hobbyist term used to describe the natural process where dead material decomposes into (mostly) safe components to be reused by the reef. As this material decomposes it releases Ammonia which is converted into Nitrites which is converted into the safer Nitrates.
Having said, that when you “establish” a new tank what you are doing is inviting bacteria to cultivate in the tank to convert waste material. This invitation period is what most people coin as “The Cycle”. Bacterium is an essential part of the life and food chain of the saltwater world. Once bacterial levels grow large enough Ammonia and Nitrites can be naturally eliminated from the tank and fish can be added.
Anytime you add uncured live rock to a tank the dead material will go thru the process of decomposing or “cycling” producing higher than normal levels of ammonia and nitrites.
If you are adding sand you have added a large volume or zone which is not populated with bacteria. This zone can not break down the waste it collects which can cause the tank to become unbalanced. Until it is cultivated with bacterial you could have a “mini cycle” starting.
In conclusion unless you move 100% of an established tank to a new tank you will have a cycle. In other words you will have a period of highly toxic water which will most likely kill fish.
