Cycle time for fish only. No live rock or sand.

[paddyob]

Just wondering. Do I need to actually cycle a tank just holding my clowns? There is no live rock or sand in the tank.

Or just let it settle. Use bateria starter?

Thanks

[Simons]

what is the size of your tank?

I have LOTS of success with DR Toms one and only. I have set up many tanks (personal and for others) and use it all the time. Cycles in less than 3 days.

[The Grizz]

I am pretty sure you will not get a cycle with out sand or live rock.

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

I am pretty sure you will not get a cycle with out sand or live rock.

Yea . But I assume bacteria is still absent? Then in comes starter bacteria ?

[gregzz4]

I'd either use a HOB filter and some kind of bacteria starter to get you over the ammonia hump, or do WCs very frequently based on ammo testing

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by paddyob

Yea . But I assume bacteria is still absent? Then in comes starter bacteria ?

So then where is the bacteria coming from then?

[The Grizz]

Well not sure what your really thinking about here Patrick but this in my experience. I recently I had to set up a small tank to medicate one of my seahorse's, cleaned the tank, made new SW, put a HOB filter with just filter floss in it. Moved the seahorse into it as soon as it was at the lower temp required, there hasn't been a speck of ammonia or nitrates.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by paddyob

Yea . But I assume bacteria is still absent? Then in comes starter bacteria ?

Bacteria will start to feed on the ammo and multiply, but not fast enough in my mind

Things like the DRs mentioned earlier, or Seachem Stability, add bacteria to start processing the ammonia faster than if you let it happen naturally

If you're able to wait before you add the clowns to the tank, you could cycle the tank empty with something like fish food or an uncooked shrimp
This will kick-start the ammo. And again, if you have time, you can fully cycle a tank this way, then add the clowns when the nitrites are gone and the nitrates are low

[paddyob]

Im definitely using something like stability.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by paddyob

Im definitely using something like stability.

That's what I prefer to use, and an Ammo Alert badge, and I also keep Am Guard in the cabinet