new tank cycling

[flipstyle72]

Hi!

So i have a timing dilemma. I am leaving July 23rd to go out of town for 10 days. I plan on starting my tank cycle this weekend or early next week (Monday) with some liverock and live sand. The LR/LS vendor told me I should be good to go before I leave, thus my housesitter will have to not worry about doing any major cycling duties, just topoff and general maintenance. Then, once i return I'll add my critters/cleanup crew and go from there.

This sound doable or should i just wait till i return in August to begin the tank? I just figure if i can get the LR/LS up in running and get it to be stabile before my 10 day vacation, it'll have that much longer to mature.


I'm trusting what they told me but wanted some 2nd opinions...

 

[salt_for_brains]

Although everyone's tank cycles differently it does sound very doable. I've never had a tank cycle last longer than 10 days but it does happen. Either way your tank will be ready for a good water change upon your return. I would go for it as long as top off water is added while you are gone.

 

[flipstyle72]

Although everyone's tank cycles differently it does sound very doable. I've never had a tank cycle last longer than 10 days but it does happen. Either way your tank will be ready for a good water change upon your return. I would go for it as long as top off water is added while you are gone.

thanks! we'll have a housesitter so someone will be able to check on things and top off. I didn't want to bother them with doing a water change though if possible, so it'll be ok for 10 days without?

What are thoughts on auto-top offs?

 

[salt_for_brains]

Since you won't have any livestock in the tank before you leave I can't see you having any issues. Your nitrates may or may not climb a little but water changes will bring them back down when you get back.
I love my ATO and the fact that I don't have to worry about topping off the tank every day.

 

[Aquarian]

+1 ^^ that's some sound advice there.