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24g Nano How long will it take to cycle?

4K views 17 replies 4 participants last post by  xNiKaTeeNx 
#1 ·
I have a 24g Nano cube and ive had it set up with 6 damsels and about 8 pounds of live rock. How long will it take to cycle? I've had the live rock and damsels in there for a week and 3 days now and i just want to know when i can put some "real" fish in there. Any info will help, as u can see i am a beginner. Thanks
 
#2 ·
As to your question, it is impossible to tell.

Whoa, back up. You should not use fish, especially in SW, to cycle. Good luck getting those devils out. And even saying that you are, six is way too much for a 24G.

In this environment, only bad things happen fast. This whole process needs a delicate balance that takes months to establish, and you rushing it will do more harm than good.

Now, do you plan on making this a FOWLR or reef? Either way I would get some sort of CUC in there after the cycle (which means 0 ammonia, nitrites, and 5-0 nitrates, and 8.0-8.4pH). Start with 1/4 of your stock right after the cycle. Then, the third week after the cycle, get another 1/4. The next week, get the next 1/4. And the fifth week AFTER the cycle get your whole CUC. Thats what I do at least.

Fish is at least 3 months after the cycle.

If I were in your position, I would return all of your damsels (which will most likely mean you will need to remove your rock and then put it back, because these fish are evil), and then get 20-30lbs of nice rock. That is your cycle.
 
#5 ·
You do need more live rock. Depending on density, you may only need a total of 15 pounds, but likely close to 25 pounds. The live rock is the stability of the system, combined with a good protein skimmer.

The cycling process is very misunderstood in saltwater. If you have CURED live rock, then you will have virtually no cycle. If the rock is uncured, then you will cycle similar to a FW aquarium. Best bet is to smell the live rock. If it stinks and still has die off occuring, then you know it will take several weeks to cycle the tank. It there is virtually no smell, then the rock is likely cured and you may never see any ammonia or nitrite spike.

As to the Damsels, they are horrible for a community. If you want a tank of ONLY Damselfish, then fine. But if you want other fish, you can not have Damsels in a tank this small. The only exception may be the Yellow Tail Damsel, but that is still pushing it.
 
#6 ·
will get rid of damsels slowly when my tank is done cycling. i think i will wait for a souple more weeks n then bring some more water to the store n get it checked out. if everything is fine i will start my aquarium with some kind of nice fish. I wanted a yellow tANG but i was told NOOOOOO way. What is a good fish i could start with for a nano??? i want beautiful fish in there and as much as i can put in this little tank. Anyone have any suggestions as to what fish would be nice to start??
 
#7 ·
Yea, absolutley no tang.

There are a lot of options in a tank that size. For example...
-Clowns
-Some Wrasses
-Basslets
-Blennies
-Chromis
-Grammas
-Gobies
-Firefish

I suggest this to everyone: go to your LFS, write down the names of the fish you like (all of them), and come back here and post them. Then we can decide what will work.

I wouldn't do anymore than 2, if not 3 fish in there.
 
#17 ·
weird, yes. unusual, yes.
this is prob. a better option going this route.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+19+63&pcatid=63
they are great hunters, they blend into the rock work and dangle a little line infront of their face. when a fish comes by, goodbye.

keep in mind if doing this, you will be limited to this fish only with no inverts or other fish.


there def. is other fish options that are totally awesome that could work in this tank. have you ever seen a watchman goby and randalli pistol shrimp paired up?
YouTube - Yellow Watchman Goby and Pistol Shrimp
 
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