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New 55g gallon tank questions

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by FishOrr, Oct 17, 2012.

  1. Oct 17, 2012 #1
    FishOrr

    FishOrr Inactive User

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    I just set up a new 55g tank 4 or 5 days ago and have some questions. I understand that fish tanks when they are new need to "cycle". Tanks are always cycling as ammonia gets broken down into nitrites and nitrates. In my understanding tanks cycle hardest in the very beginning because they lack beneficial bacteria that helps to stabilize the water. My 55g has some fish in it already because they came from another tank which got taken down. I used a filter from an old tank along with some live rock to help stabilize the it. I plan to add 40 additional #s of live rock on monday from a very established aquarium and was wonder if it will be enough to soften the first cycle? Any other tips or suggestions?

    Thanks for the input

    -Fishorr
     
  2. Oct 17, 2012 #2
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    Yes, live rock will help you out with the "cycle". If it came from an established system it should contain all kinds of beneficial bacteria and what not that the tank needs for the nitrogen cycle. Just check your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Make sure since you already have some fish in there that you don't end up with an ammonia spike. If it gets too high you need to do a water change.
     
  3. Oct 17, 2012 #3
    Pete H.

    Pete H. Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    +1 on what blackx-runner said. If you have all that well established live rock, you should be ok. Just check your ammonia and nitrite and nitrate daily to see where they are and do water changes to keep them down. Congrats on the tank. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif
     
  4. Oct 17, 2012 #4
    bladerunner des moines

    bladerunner Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Off you can get ahold of some saltwater from am astonished tank and put some of that in it will speed it up alot too. I don't mean full your whole tank with it but about 25%, equal to a water change
     
  5. Oct 17, 2012 #5
    moneypit

    moneypit Inactive User

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    Saltwater from an established tank has very little beneficial bacteria at all. All your doing is getting free water and possibly someone elses problems.
     
  6. Oct 17, 2012 #6
    bladerunner des moines

    bladerunner Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    http://suite101.com/article/methods-for-cycling-an-aquarium-faster-a237729
     
  7. Oct 17, 2012 #7
    moneypit

    moneypit Inactive User

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    Nice, all that article is about is freshwater, show me something conclusive in regards to saltwater. Also in said article it states and I quote "Be cautious utilizing this approach, however, because disease and parasites can travel in the used water as well."

    Hell a cup of sand or a piece of live rock from an established tank would be better.



    Is this the link your looking for:

    http://suite101.com/article/cycling...ium-a46295
     
  8. Oct 17, 2012 #8
    bladerunner des moines

    bladerunner Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I'm pretty sure a nitrogen cycle is a nitrogen cycle is a nitrogen cycle. And the same thing can be said about the sand or rocks. Plus a cup of sand is a good idea to
     
  9. Oct 17, 2012 #9
    FishOrr

    FishOrr Inactive User

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    Thanks for the comments guys! I thought I would be ok but it is always nice to have others with more experience or knowledge chime in. I have been in the hobby for about 2 years and always dreamed of having a larger tank (55g is my biggest tank yet!). I will just have to keep an eye on my water but it sounds like the rock will help me a lot. I also will be getting 2 powerheads to help provide additional circulation. I really love the fish I have and want to do everything I can to keep them healthy and happy.
     

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