Thank you! Since I have been out of this hobby for about 10 years and never did a fishless cycle, I wanted to learn with the smaller tank before I pulled the trigger on a larger on. Much has changed in 10 years so it’s almost like starting over. But I enjoy the learning process and appreciate the advice.that is sound and will work. this is for sure a tank I would not expect to clear the classic 2 ppm of ammonia overnite even if on digital kits, its meant to carry slightly lower loads and that plan above will work above for sure.
hey on your next tank there's a far easier cycling method that may help when rocks + sand are ready for bringup:
use biospira, Dr Tims or fritz cycling bac the others are too slow although at this long they all cycle
input the bac amount per directions along with three pinches of finely ground up fish food powder any make any brand is fine
wait two weeks then its all cycled and can't not be cycled, no testing required, no big bumps of ammonia to clear. the breakdown of fish food provides all nutrients needed given the wait time allotted. that'll make next round so much easier and timely