Few More questions because of new development

[crass]

Hi all

Today 2 new things have happened in my new tank!

1. It has spung a minor leak so I will have to fix / purchase a new tank tomorrow. I have the leak under control! (the wife is standing with her finger on it! jokes:laughroll ). Which isnt a bad thing as I was considering doing this anyway! due to my oveflow problems that I have posted!

2. Im assuming I have a Diatom outbreak starting. I have posted a picture!

http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/noculture/tank stuff/DSC00069_2.jpg

Ok now here is the questions!
1. since I am having to change tanks which will be done swiftly will this set me back in the cycle process?
2.and will this new development on the sand be ok if it is stirred up during the change?
3. am i correct in saying I only add the CUC when the Trates hit zero?

thanks in advance

Dean

 

[essmaker]

How long has your current tank been setup now?

If it has only been a couple/few weeks, then what you're seeing on the sand is a normal part of the cycle.

If you move everything to the new tank, then you will probably see a bit of a cycle as you will be stirring up the sand bed a bunch. Not as long as the first though. imho

Again imho, you can add the cuc during the cycle before nitrates hit 0. They are much hardier than fish etc and can help control algae during the later portions of the cycle. I would not put them in while ammonia or nitrites are high.