I hearby declare my tank cycled!

Hi,

After having closly observed all parameters for a whole week, I now feel my tank has completed cycling. All parameters are reading normal and the fish are a happy lot.Thought I'd share with you.

Surprising as it may seem, my tank is just three and a half weeks old! There are healthy signs of coralline algae growth as well and there has been no algae bloom ( touchwood!!).Any ideas how it completed so fast considering the fact that the normal timeframe is between 3-6 months?

 

Maybe it hasn't started yet I don't really know. Did you start with someone else's filter media or even a bit of their water?

 

No all new right from scratch. My LFS guy was not particularly surprised though that all readings were normal and holding there since week 2.

 

Congrats.

It does happen.

Good quality LR probably answer.

Keep close eye on for few days.

Then slowly, very slowly, you can start adding new critters.

Good Luck.

 

"...nothing good ever happens fast in a reef tank, only bad things happen fast..."
- MIKE PALLETTA

Thanks Omard.....this tagline on your profile is freaking me out though

 

Is true, soooo true.

Unfortunately a lesson most of us here have learned the hard way, in one aspect of the hobby or another. :-/

Best wishes for you and your system.

 

best advise...add slow!!!! adding too fast can create another cycle, also make a list of the fish you want and choose the ones that are compatible, eat the same foods, and are peaceful (if that's what you are going for). Like my fish all eat primarily flake food which I believe help keep the nitrates down.

 

Thanks Kimmy...Yes I'm keeping a close watch and also being careful about you mentioned. Tell me - is it a good idea to add more LR maybe on a later date. I'm finding my tank a bit bare and have a certain kind of LR setup in mind which I'd like to implement without disturbing the tank too much.

 

If you want more LR, add now.

New rock will start up another cycle.

Sounds like your first stuff was pretty good. Try to get from same source to minimize wait. Don't add any fish till all water params are back in specs.

Scott

 

go slow let it grow as matt would say