What is a 'mature' tank?

[ssunthar]

Hi Experts, Very sorry if this stupid question... but wanted to understand what it means when someone say mine is a 'mature' tank? And how one can achieve it? How long will a tank will take for it to be considers 'mature'? Thanks in advance.

 

[ScottJ]

Interesting question. Following to hear any answers.

 

[Ghost25]

I would say a mature tank is one where the rock and sand is fully colonized by diverse and balanced bacteria, algae, sponges, and inverts. A tank with live rock from the ocean or another established tank may be mature almost immediately or within a few months.

A tank started with dry rock may take 2+ years to mature although that depends on how much diversity is being introduced.

 

[Sosuke]

I would say stable parameters for the most part, tons and tons of biodiversity and thriving animals would be a mature tank. I would say 2 years old would be pretty good.

 

[ZoWhat]

A mature tank is TWICE as long as most ppl would consider what a mature tank is.