Cycling process started in my sump first

[Tyslin]

Hey fellow Aquarists,

The following is a list of what equip I currently have:

90gal Tank w/corner overflow
megalfow sump
turboflotor protein skimmer
supreme magdrive pump

The following is a list of the equip I need to begin cycling process:

130 lbs Live Sand
90 lbs Live Rock
lighting system - coralife

Just want to get some thoughts and opinions on what I want to do since I don't have all of the equipment neccessary to begin the entire cycling process in my main tank. I want to start cycle process in my sump. I have a megaflow sump that I want to fill with RO/DI water, add salt, raise temp to 80 degress and redirect my return line from my magdrive pump back into my sump. The reason I want to do this is so water keeps moving in constant motion. I plan on kicking off the cycling process by adding saltwater Biozyme into the sump. Once the water is fully cycled hopefully in a month or so I should have enough money to buy the Live Sand and Live Rock. I then plan on adding More RO/DI water in the main tank, add Live Sand and Live Rock(Which I will cure before putting into tank) and begin cycling process in main tank.

You may ask why would you want to go through all of that, well I read in a book that by cycling the water in your sump first,.... when you cycle your main tank with that cycled water,...it will complete cycle process alot faster in main tank and that Algae will not be a problem at start. Any thoughts on this process.

I know why not wait until you get the live sand, live rock, and do the whole thing at once. Well I don't have the funds yet to get the live sand and live rock, let alone the lighting system. So I want to get start early, it's just a thought not reality yet, any opinions on anything I described above. Thanks.

[asilefx]

I would highly suggest that put in the rock and sand before you start your cycle. The water itself will not cycle on it's own.

Live Rock is also a huge part of the cycling process, you will need it for the bacteria to have a home. Same with the sand.

The live rock will need to be cured and the best time to do it is when you are cycling.

You really want to add the sand before the water, unless you want to cloud the tank for over a week. It is also a good idea to position and secure your rock in the tank before you add the water. I would suggest you use uncured LR and aquascape your tank before you add the water. Aquascaping with a full tank is quite a pain.

You will not need lights while you are cycling.

[Tyslin]

Hey Asilefx,

I have bio-balls in my sump won't that hold the bacteria until cycling is complete? Just a thought.

[IBMGeek]

My opinion is that should wait until you get your live rock and live sand as well. In this hobby patience is really important and you have to give time to things to do them correctly. Even if you start your cycle in your sump you are still going to have a mini cycle in your tank unless you cure your rock correctly (and curing rock correctly takes time anyways). Just my opinion though.

[Tyslin]

Thanks IBMGeek for your thoughts I appreciate it. And your right patience is the key in this hobby I tend to forget that at times. I guess I'll wait until I get my sand and Rock. By the way would that of worked anyway, could the bio-balls hold the bacteria and allow me to cycle tank?, just want to know cause I read it in a book, maybe someone with your exp can sheld some light on that. thanks.

[IBMGeek]

I think that you can probably start the cycle in your sump but once you add the rock and sand in your tank the bacterial will not be able to keep up with the bioload unless you start adding the rock little by little or its extremely cured. Thats why i think you should just wait. Just like asilefex said you can start the cycle in your tank with the live rock you add and then just wait until the cycle finishes. By the way what book is that, just curious?

[Tangster]

The bacteria will grow on the pipes pumps glass sand rock and walls of the tank and sump and the bacteria Will only grow in numbers to deal with the starting cycle load. nd die off accordingly. To cycle a tank all you need is water and tank and a main pump. The sand and any rocks you have will be plenty , No light or skimmer is need at this point. In-fact I'd tell anyone not to use either for a few months maybe some good actinic to promote coralline growth. I'd start it up toss in a single yellow tailed Damsel and let it run a few months. Thats how I cycle them anyways.