Ok so I have a 125g tank but after setting up my lights it looks like there is much more sanding I need to do. Used tank. I have a 45g sump. Can I just fill it up and run a small sponge filter to start the cycle process with my bio media. So when I finish this buffing of the main tank I can just fill connect sump and go buy fish in a day or 2. Or will I still hafta wait a few weeks for the tank to cycle. Thank you
Cycling my sump
- Thread starter Vern007
- Start date
Yes, you can start to cycle now.
As to the rest, it depends on how you plan to cycle. Imo, fish should not go into an uncycled tank, so unless you have mature media handy or plan to jump start the cycle with bottled bacteria, it will still take a while. (How long varies, but a few weeks is reasonable. pH and temperature can impact this, but getting some mature media is the way to go.) Otoh, if you have either of those, there's no reason to rush.
Given the nature of the question, I'd suggest you post your cycling plans. It's well worth it to get some feedback.
https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/cycling-and-you.224559/
As to the rest, it depends on how you plan to cycle. Imo, fish should not go into an uncycled tank, so unless you have mature media handy or plan to jump start the cycle with bottled bacteria, it will still take a while. (How long varies, but a few weeks is reasonable. pH and temperature can impact this, but getting some mature media is the way to go.) Otoh, if you have either of those, there's no reason to rush.
Given the nature of the question, I'd suggest you post your cycling plans. It's well worth it to get some feedback.
https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/cycling-and-you.224559/
Last edited:
You can use your sponge to help with the cycle but without an ammonia source the bacteria would die off. If im understanding correctly you wont have a source while your taking care of the tank. Id wait until your ready to slowly add some fish.
Ive had great success with tetra safestart plus. Id probably use this and the sponge filter together just to jump start things a little faster.
Ive had great success with tetra safestart plus. Id probably use this and the sponge filter together just to jump start things a little faster.
Hello; Here are two links to articles about cycling. Long reads. I have saved them and go back from time to time.
Aquarium cycling links
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/nitrogen_cycle.html
http://www.bioconlabs.com/nitribactfacts.html
Aquarium cycling links
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/nitrogen_cycle.html
http://www.bioconlabs.com/nitribactfacts.html
I've read the cycling stickys. I'm just gonna get on the jump with the sump and start the cycle process. I'm gonna go heavily planted dirt tank. So its gonna be at least a month or 2 before I'm adding fish. I'm just gonna put a few mystery snails in then cherry shrimp once I see shrimp breeding. I'll then think about fish.