Tank Cycling

iceboxman · 02-11-2002, 02:27 PM

I have heard that it works well if no water changes are done while a tank is cycling. Is this true, or should I do a water change? What are people's experience with this?

OodleyBoodely · 02-11-2002, 02:38 PM

Doing water changes during cycling will slow the process some. It is best not to disturb the system if you can. There are of course, some exceptions. If you have livestock (fish, corals, ect) you must keep the ammonia and nitrites down or they will die. In that case, frequent massive changes may be required. That is why you do not want to cycle with living animals in the tank (besides the humane reasons).

FishDaddy · 02-11-2002, 03:13 PM

Iceboxman,
What is in your tank while cycling? If cycling with Live Rock, I agree with Oodley; just let it run its course. Be sure to keep the tank topped off with RO water as you will have the normal evaporation.
Dick

iceboxman · 02-11-2002, 03:38 PM

I have about 8 Pounds of live rock and am going to get more later this week. I also have 3 fish, and the water level hasn't gotten too dangerous in the last 2 weeks.

iceboxman · 02-12-2002, 02:16 AM

I did a water test tonight and my tank is in the second stage of the cycle (nitrites increasing; ammonia decreasing). I want to replace the crushed coral I have in it now with 4" DSB. Would it be wise to leave the tank alone, and replace it after it's finished cycling?

OodleyBoodely · 02-13-2002, 07:58 AM

Most likely changing the substrate will cause another cycle since much of the surface of the old substrate now hosts nitrifying bacteria. IMO, you might as well do it now so that you can get the tank through the cycling sooner.

iceboxman · 02-13-2002, 04:42 PM

Thanks, I'm getting the sand either tonight or tomorrow.