How to cycle nano cube?

alikhan2004 · 05-28-2008, 03:41 AM

Hi I just setup a 24 gallon JBJ nano cube this past Saturday (5-24-08) with 15lbs of Tonga live rock and I plan to get 15 more pounds of Tonga live rock this Thursday (5-29-08) and I need to know whats a easy and fast way to cycle the tank without using fishes? So far I just threw a raw shrimp in the tank on Monday (5-26-08) but the water is starting to smell and the shrimp just sits on the floor but it doesn't decentigrade.

JWarren · 05-28-2008, 05:04 AM

Here is a get read on cycling a tank.

Newbies, a little something on cycling/breaking in a new reef tank.

lcstorc · 05-28-2008, 06:40 AM

There is no way to speed up the cycle. If the shrimp is starting to smell it has likely done it's job. Go ahead and test for amonia. The shrimp is used as an amonia source to begin the cycle.
I wouldn't worry too much until you get the rest of your rock in. Then you will want to really cycle the tank. Perhaps with another shrimp.
Then follow your test results to see where you are in the cycle.

Rcpilot · 05-31-2008, 11:58 PM

It will take 6--8 weeks for the shrimp to disappear completely.

When there is nothing left but the shell, you can test for nitrates. My guess is you'll have about 20-40ppm of nitrates. Do a 50% water change. That will drop the nitrates down 50%. Do another water change in a week and then test nitrates again. When they are under 10ppm--you should be okay to add a fish or coral.

Illuminati · 06-01-2008, 12:50 AM

My first tank was the same tank.

I added all the live rock. Waited about 2 weeks and got the diatom (brown algae that covers everything) bloom, added a cleanup crew, waited 2 weeks for them to get the diatoms in check, large waterchange and added a clown.

Don't be an idiot like me though and add a Clarki Clown, didn't know they are soo mean

Toss the shrimp in the trash, add your rock and wait for the diatoms.

Know what kind of cleanup crew your going to get? I like a good mix of snails and hermits. Premium Aquatics INC - live rock and aquarium supply has awesome descriptions on each type and what they do. I have Cernith Snails, Nerite Snails, Margarita Snails & Nassarius Snails and some Mexican Red Leg Hermits.

05-28-2008, 03:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
alikhan2004 Bryozoan Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 59 View Gallery Karma Komment	How to cycle nano cube? Hi I just setup a 24 gallon JBJ nano cube this past Saturday (5-24-08) with 15lbs of Tonga live rock and I plan to get 15 more pounds of Tonga live rock this Thursday (5-29-08) and I need to know whats a easy and fast way to cycle the tank without using fishes? So far I just threw a raw shrimp in the tank on Monday (5-26-08) but the water is starting to smell and the shrimp just sits on the floor but it doesn't decentigrade.

05-28-2008, 05:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
JWarren Reef Lobster Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Port Saint Lucie, Florida Posts: 1,425 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: How to cycle nano cube? Here is a get read on cycling a tank. Newbies, a little something on cycling/breaking in a new reef tank. __________________ John Typhoon RO/DI filter unit. My Saltwater web site. Help build ReefPedia!

05-28-2008, 06:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 19,905 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: How to cycle nano cube? There is no way to speed up the cycle. If the shrimp is starting to smell it has likely done it's job. Go ahead and test for amonia. The shrimp is used as an amonia source to begin the cycle. I wouldn't worry too much until you get the rest of your rock in. Then you will want to really cycle the tank. Perhaps with another shrimp. Then follow your test results to see where you are in the cycle. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. In Loving Memory Of Z 01/22/07 - 08/19/08

05-31-2008, 11:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
Rcpilot Has been struck by the ban stick Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Arvada, CO. Posts: 297 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: How to cycle nano cube? It will take 6--8 weeks for the shrimp to disappear completely. When there is nothing left but the shell, you can test for nitrates. My guess is you'll have about 20-40ppm of nitrates. Do a 50% water change. That will drop the nitrates down 50%. Do another water change in a week and then test nitrates again. When they are under 10ppm--you should be okay to add a fish or coral.

06-01-2008, 12:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
Illuminati Bryozoan Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Antioch, IL Posts: 59 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: How to cycle nano cube? My first tank was the same tank. I added all the live rock. Waited about 2 weeks and got the diatom (brown algae that covers everything) bloom, added a cleanup crew, waited 2 weeks for them to get the diatoms in check, large waterchange and added a clown. Don't be an idiot like me though and add a Clarki Clown, didn't know they are soo mean Toss the shrimp in the trash, add your rock and wait for the diatoms. Know what kind of cleanup crew your going to get? I like a good mix of snails and hermits. Premium Aquatics INC - live rock and aquarium supply has awesome descriptions on each type and what they do. I have Cernith Snails, Nerite Snails, Margarita Snails & Nassarius Snails and some Mexican Red Leg Hermits. __________________ Colin's JBJ 28g HQI http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...anocube-2.html

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