What do you think?

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MonsterMinis

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 28, 2009
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Wisconsin
So were filling up the 1k pool tonight and I'm thinking I might pick up another RTC... what do you guys think about cycling the tank with like a 2"-4" RTC and nothing else in the pond? Just because the water volume is so great I know it will slow the cycle process as a general rule.. but I imagine the RTCs growth rate should explode and the bacteria colony should be able to keep up fairly easy. I'm thinking useing a basket like floater until he settles in and comes to eat from my hand ect... or putting one hide spot in that I can easily target feed to?

Anyone else done this before?
 
Never done it like that but sounds doable with frequent water tests. Gotta have a tank ready to take him if things go south or at least an ammonia detoxifier, like Ammo-Lock, on hand. I don't think he'd be comfortable in the floater. The other option I like better.
 
Thats what I was thinking since it kinda seemed a waste to put him in a 20L while the tank was cycleing.. I def have others smaller tanks he could go into if need be that are already cycled.
 
+1 to what Viktor said.

I don't think it would produce enough waste to cause the water to become toxic. I suspect artificially supplementing the ammonia in the pond would help your cycle happen quicker.
 
Chicxulub said:
+1 to what Viktor said.

I don't think it would produce enough waste to cause the water to become toxic. I suspect artificially supplementing the ammonia in the pond would help your cycle happen quicker.
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If you add ammonia to the pond, the Ammo-Lock would be needed so that the RTC is not hurt or to minimize the hurt... but then, if the goal is to get it cycled asap, forget about the fish and add lots of ammonia and fish food. In 4-8 weeks, it should be ready. With the present plan, it may take 2-3 times longer.
 
Absolutely, sorry i accidentally left some stuff out.. lol it's just second nature I guess by now.. I do plan on floating some bio-media in the pool to help kick-start the cycle.. and I'm okay with the cycle taking "longer" but I did realize one thing.. I would also be fiddleing with heating during this time.. so I think caution is the better part of valor here and waiting at least until I can get that situated before adding anything like an RTC thats needs warmer temps. I have a few community fish that are good in cooler water that I think I will go with instead, and make a tasety snack in the future.

I just never had the water volume to try adding/cycling a tank this way and was curiouse with all the big cats out there if anyones "started and cycled" a tank from the get-go with a juvi before. I may still do this but wait until the heating and final filtration is addressed ( why I don't have issue with the cycle taking a few weeks more)
 
Not much experience-based response to your main question here so far. Maybe General Aquaria discussion is a better place or some other forum dedicated to cycling issues. It can be any fish.
 
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