Cycling time? Thoughts....

[gooyferret]

Well im in the process of cycling my 125gal, i have:

Live Rock = 150lbs (give or take tank is FULL)
3-4" LS

How long do the cycles usually take on average? Some say a couple weeks, some say a month.....From your experiences how long should mine take? This is a resetup and rock and sand are from old tank that i scubbed and washed the LR and LS. They have not been used for about 2 years.

TIA

 

[mtlion]

Hard to say how long the cycle will take, you will only know by testing the water in the tank. My 75G took about 6 weeks and I scrubbed the LR prior to use. I did not use LS.

 

[roka64]

I doubt the sand is live if it's been sitting around for 2 years, and you may not have much die off from the rock. I would suggest 1 raw, unseasoned jumbo shrimp per 30 gallons for an ammonia source.
I agree with Mt, there is no true time for a cycle, it could be quick or take up to 6 weeks.
Do you have test kits?

 

[melosu58]

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/articles/articles/3/1/Cycle-your-salt-tank/Page1.html

Just follow this link.

 

[gooyferret]

Thanks alot guys! Its been a long time since i have had the tank setup, and jusdt wanted to get an idea for cycle time. My LR will have some die off im sure even though its not been used for a while. I scrubbed it as good as i could now im just waiting on new BulkHeads to arrive to setup the sump. TIA

 

[austinsdad]

Understand the cycle process and test the water. No way around it. It's not about "time" as it is about "method". Forget the time gauge. Test for ammonia and nitrite.

 

[gooyferret]

What do you recommend for a test kit? I need to get a new test kit since my is expired....tia

 

[roka64]

API saltwater maters test kit is a good starting point.