Proper way to cycle a new tank?

[mtnrunner]

I've had my tank for many years and have a friend that wants to setup a fish only with live rock 55 gal tank with sump. I'm looking for information on the recommended way to cycle his tank.

Thanks

 

[tigerdragon]

If you search the net and forums you will find a vast array of ways to cycle a tank with differing opinions. The basic thing is you will need rock wether or not its dry or live makes no diff, substrate ( grain size pends on stocking list), and something to create a bio load for the bacteria to grow and populate wether its hardy fish, raw shrimp in a net of some sort, ammonia dosing, all depends on what you want to try. Just know it will take anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 weeks or more for ammonia and nitrate levels to peak and drop to zero. Once that happens you can begin stocking but slowly so you dont overload tank and start a cycle again.

 

[Poolman]

You can also throw in dr Tim's. I just setup a frag tank a month ago and this has been the easiest tank so far. I stated adding some tester coral within a week.