set up of continous drip system and tank cycle

[ebaybrad]

I am reconfiguring my 240g reef to a freshwater cichlid tank. I have set up a continuous drip system that changes approx. 40 gallons a day. Question is related to cycling this aquarium. Do you think with the constant water change that I should avoid stocking the tank? I am reusing the sump setup with trickle media as well. Should I cycle the tank first and then start the drip instead with addition of bacteria from say Tims? Or just stock the tank and the constant water change would be safe.

any help would be appreciated.

 

[millerkid519]

When I have cycled tanks I do not do water changes I put a 1 gallon jug of pond cycle (cheaper and the same thing) in and a fillet of tilapia for amonia source.
Yes avoid stocking until your tank is fully cycled. In my experience fish in cycles are a little cruel.
If you know someone with a fw tank ask for a sponge or 2 or cycled media.
With pond cycle and cycled media is a big head start on cycling a tank

To answer your question directly from a new tank even with a drip amonia will build up because there is no media to process the fish waste. A drip system is basically to syphon off the nitrates rather then doing it manually.

 

[carbene]

i would go in this order: cycle the tank >do big water change>turn on drip > add fish