length of cycling

[skings421]

Whats the average time a tank takes to cycle? I have two biocubes, one 14 an one 29gal. Ive had the 29 for about 6 months and i can now put just about any coral or anemone and they will be fine. However, the 14 is only 2months old an i recently tried to add a bubble tip anemone and he didnt look good so i brought him back to the LFS. I have one of the haitain anemones for now an its doing well. How long does it take for the tank to cycle and when can i expect the water to be sufficent enough to add nice anemones??

 

[melosu58]

There is no set time to cycle. I`ve seen them take all kind of times. It all depends on your nitrifying bacteria.

 

[Blueiz]

From my experience, it takes between 6-10 weeks for a tank to completely cycle. Variables on time include what the bio load is, the temperature, if the tank was seeded, etc.

 

[Jaybird]

My tank had a pretty much zero-time cycle. I got a deal on cured live rock and filled the tank with it. I had to keep putting in raw shrimp pieces to test to be sure but I have never had any detectable ammonia or nitrite since I started the tank, and that's been about two months. Mind you, my bio load is extremely light as well, but even with raw shrimp in the tank I had nothing at all.

If you go with a lot of base rock and a little live rock then you will need to take the time to cycle.

 

[austinsdad]

Are you aware of the ammonia and nitrite readings you need to watch to determine if and how long a cycle takes? It's not about a set amount of time. I am so sorry folks believe that and never understand to watch the readings.

 

[skings421]

I understand that you have to read the ammonia and nitrite levels. I was wondering if there was an average time which most aquariums take in order to reach zero on those readings.

 

[Innovator]

I recently cycled a 140g using uncured live rock in two weeks. You should be able to cycle just about any tank in under 3wks imo.

 

[austinsdad]

Depends on the combination (if a combination) of cured and un-cured rock. A substantial amount of cured rock can make the cycle short or even non-existent. All uncured rock, and the amount of decaying matter on it can take longer. I'd agree with 3 weeks or less.

 

[IAmDaryl]

I was able to cycle my new 75gal system in 2 wks using half uncured rock from the LFS and half from my older 45gal with the addition of about 8 cups of live sand from the same system.

I also placed my Bio-bale from my CPR Cy192 sump filter into my refugium section of the new sump.

I couldn't believe how fast it cycled. It has been three weeks now and I plan on placing my 2 lg toadstool corals in the new tank tonight...wish me luck!