Fish Cycle with Dr Tim's

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I’m setting up a new tank myself. Only a few days in. All dry rock and dry sand.

Couple pieces cycled live rock in sump.

Est 500 gallon system volume.
Dr. Tims
Ammonia
RODI fill

What’s the basis for not dosing to 2ppm despite Dr. Tim’s formula, which only calls to skip ammonia add if over 5ppm?

Day 3 added 6 tbsp 2 tsp ammonia per formula.

Day 4
Ammonia 2.0ppm
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0

2 ppm is plenty to continue the process More is not better.

 

[coreytrv]

Day 6, fishless cycling.

Dr. Tim's one and only 32 oz for approx 480 system volume.

No perceptible drop of ammonia, since adding initial dose on day 2-3.

Should I do something, or just keep waiting?

 

[Dan_P]

Day 6, fishless cycling.

Dr. Tim's one and only 32 oz for approx 480 system volume.

No perceptible drop of ammonia, since adding initial dose on day 2-3.

Should I do something, or just keep waiting?

Dr. Tim’s can be slow to start, sometimes taking weeks to get going. When you get tired of waiting try Fritz turbo start

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If you are eager to get going, Fritz Turbo start may be faster.

 

[GARRIGA]

Seems cycled for the current bioload but not guaranteed for increased bioload. One fish would show ammonia rather quickly including nitrites.

I prefer fishless as I can stress test the cycle to ensure I can carry a full load upon finishing. However, once fish have been introduced (as was the case here) then I'd go old school cycling where once the current bioload cycled then before adding more life I'd increase feedings beyond what next addition will need to ensure bacterial population can handle it. Going from one fish to two of equal volume might stress the system and lag while bacterial population expand. Adding one fish after ten have been established likely adds little or no stress.

Although true old school was replacing damsels with equal volume of fish. Poor damsels and you'd think there was a massive spread of diseases as these fish went from system to system at each LFS.

At this point I'd be more concerned with what's being added then what was.