CUC...how long to wait before....

[MAXreefer]

Would like your input on this one:

When you cycle the tank how long would you wait before adding a CUC.
I don't think you can measure it in days or weeks as every tank and cycle is different.
Therefore how many days of 0 readings for ammonia and Nitrite you need before adding a CUC?
Are Nitrate and Phosphate levels also important when adding the CUC?

Thanks for your input
Michael

 

[btkrausen]

Pretty sure that Nitrites and Nitrates will also rise during the cycle, and then should drop with the ammonia. I'd watch the ammonia spike, and when it comes down, I'd just wait a day or two to make sure the spike is actually over.

Isn't the month wait just painful :) I'm about to start doing the same thing on a new build.

 

[butts182]

and remember not to get into too big of a hurry...you will have plenty of time in the future to add goodies...give it 3-4 days beyond the ammonia bottom

 

[MAXreefer]

The tank is cycling now for 10 days and started testing about 6 days ago.
Ammonia is 0 for the past 4 days and Nitrites went down from 2 to 0

 

[MAXreefer]

and remember not to get into too big of a hurry...you will have plenty of time in the future to add goodies...give it 3-4 days beyond the ammonia bottom

I am actually quite patient. I won't add any fish or corals for at least 2 months. Still have a nice frag tank I can enjoy every day and that helps a lot to be patient...:wink:

 

[raymond]

im gonna go through the same process very shortly, its a pain to look at a tank full of live rock day after day.