View Full Version : cycling my new tank
jenniferroman
10-10-2009, 11:51 PM
so i am upgrading my 14 gallon reef tank to a 60 gallon hex reef tank. i am cycling right now my tank with 3 damsels and sand and in a week i am going to put 50lbs of dry rock. after the tank is done cycling can i put my corals in right away? i am planning to put the 20lbs of live rock my 14 gallon had and the saltwater. for the people who have gone through this before. having to change everything from one tank to another how do you suggest me going about this?
Conski
10-11-2009, 1:57 AM
i had a thread all about a quick change. you want to add your corals when there is no ammonia and nitrite in the tank, and minimal nitrate.. if your just transfering all your rock over from your smaller tank then its a very quick process where there is no acclimation and you just transfer the fish and corals.. but before you do this you want to make sure the water has around the same alk and ca. then maybe some mini cycles will occur... so basically it will be make the water in the tank at as close to possible ca and alk as you can then then put rock in. then fish then corals.. this is what ace did and it took him about 30 minutes... temp has to be right too
DoctaQ
10-12-2009, 1:03 PM
be patient, its important to monitor your levels and everything then when it seems stable then make your move
Purza
10-13-2009, 11:33 AM
If you are already cycling with damsels you'll need to be careful with the "dry rock". Depending on the condition of this rock, it could cause a major spike. Where did this dry rock come from?
jenniferroman
10-13-2009, 1:22 PM
the rock is pre cycled. it says you can put these rocks on a starting reef or a existing reef tank. i bought the rocks from ebay
jenniferroman
10-13-2009, 1:25 PM
well i was going to cycle my tank with 3 damsels but i am now only cycling the tank with one damsel and a couple of live rocks i had in my 14 gallon tank. still waiting for the dry rocks to get shipped. hoping the tank cycles quick
You are doing great so far. Just for clarity, because i may be confused, if rock has been cycled (or cured) and it becomes dry, you will have die off which will cause an ammonia spike. Putting this all in at once may be detrimental to your fish. If it somehow has no life or decaying matter on it it would be fine.