How long should it take to fully cycle a salt water tank?
- Thread starter hernandez.j91
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It should take around 4 to 6 weeks, During that time you want to look carefully at the Amonia, Nitrates, and Ph.
Me and a buddy started a SW tank, we thought a Hermit Crab would help Cycle it, but it didnt last too long. so we are just letting it cycle by itself and no fish right now. kind of a "things we have learned" post, but hopefully it can help you out.
Ok, so a fishless cycle is best. Should the ammonia, nitrates and ph all be at zero before a pair of fish are introduced? Never set up a salt water tank before. Thanks
ammonia and nitrite should be at zero and nitrate should be as as close to zero as possible. Ph should ideally be around 8.1-8.3.
At least two months. The key to keeping a saltwater tank is patience when it comes to cycling the tank. Monitor your water parameters regularly.
I've used raw shrimp to cycle my tank instead of damsels. Then I removed the shrimp and made a 25% water change. I added live rocks, it's a natural form of filtration.
I've used raw shrimp to cycle my tank instead of damsels. Then I removed the shrimp and made a 25% water change. I added live rocks, it's a natural form of filtration.
I always cycle my tanks with mono fish they are very hardy fish the only thing with them is if you dont want them in there after they are very hard to catch....
There is no set "TIME" to cycle a tank. You need ammonia to build up to feed the bacteria you are trying to seed in the system. Once there is ammonia, the bacteria colony will grow. Once you have enough bacteria going, they will be able to break your fish waste down. That is the idea behind 'cycling' a tank.
If you want to help it start, add a bit of ammonia chloride to help get the colony started.
When looking at your numbers, you'll see a peak in ammonia, then a peak in nitrite, then nitrate. Once you see ammonia drop to close to zero and nitrate kick in you're ready.
If you want to help it start, add a bit of ammonia chloride to help get the colony started.
When looking at your numbers, you'll see a peak in ammonia, then a peak in nitrite, then nitrate. Once you see ammonia drop to close to zero and nitrate kick in you're ready.