Cycle, how long do you wait?

[MizTanks]

Before you put corals into a new tank? Do you wait until the cycle is done?

[bigbill]

yea miz u want everythhing to be done because adding coral adds waste witch will cause nirates and amona to go back up so u want them at 0 so it dont go to high

[EMUreef]

Originally Posted by bigbill

yea miz u want everythhing to be done because adding coral adds waste witch will cause nirates and amona to go back up so u want them at 0 so it dont go to high

well actually corals dont give off much waste, is the ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates that could kill the coral. adding coral while these levels go up and down would kill them

[schminksbro]

The time varies but on average you are looking at 2-4 weeks. You want the ammonia spike to subside and the subsequent nitrate to fall. Patience makes perfection in reefing!

[whitetiger61]

yep let the cycle finish..one thing you can do it use some water out of lil miz when you do a water change.

Rick

[MizTanks]

I figured as much~just notice others putting them in way before the cycle's through. Not that I'm going to, was just wondering why others might not wait.

[binford4000]

Originally Posted by schminksbro

The time varies but on average you are looking at 2-4 weeks. You want the ammonia spike to subside and the subsequent nitrate to fall. Patience makes perfection in reefing!

good advice,couldn't say it better

[Sir Patrick]

I recommend waiting around 6-10 weeks, for the nitrogen cycle, the diatom bloom, and the ugly (algea) stage to finish. I normally see the entire process last 6 weeks, if your lucky, and over 3 months if your not.

Although I have at times not practiced what I preached- this is the guideline I try to adhere to, when I have the luxury of choice.