Jump started tank

[snyderman99]

Hey everyone!

I jump started a tank with my brother almost 3 weeks ago now (took one of his rocks, used his sand, used his water). I was wondering how long it would take my tank to cycle since I wasn’t starting from 0. Is the only way to test if it’s fully cycled by testing the nitrites and ammonia? I have 2 clowns in there now but want an anemone and more corals. I just don’t want things to die and I don’t want to do anything wrong.

Thank you!

 

[Fish Fan]

If you started with established rock and sand, your tank was more or less cycled from day 1. I would double check the ammonia to be safe, and check to see if you're accumulating nitrates. Likely you're fine as far as the initial nitrogen cycle, but many suggest holding off on an anemone until the tank is several months old. This gives other parameters a chance to stabilize.