Will this cause a cycle?

[triga22]

My sump was "leaking" right before thanksgiving break. So I am using a power filter for now. I just got everything fixed and ready to be plugged in. Since this stuff in the refuge is dead since its been in freezing water for a week. Will starting it up again cause a cyle to the main tank.

 

[cameron]

I would say the die off probably caused a lot of nitrates and ammonia in the water for the fuge. Cold water does lower the meta rates of critters so you might be suprised what lived, but I would test the water and if the nitrates and ammonia are high clean it out and start over.

 

[triga22]

I cleaned it out and pretty much am starting over. Should I just let that be a "little tank" for it to have time to cycle?

 

[wolfie]

your main tank will take core of if. You will get a mini cycle, but nothing notice able.

hook it up and let it run

 

[cameron]

Since your main tank already has the bacteria needed to handle its bio load and has finished cycling and nothing in the fuge, there really shouldn't be a new cycle at all. You basically need some bioload creating ammonia for a cycle to start and not sure where the source of ammonia would come from since your existing tank will process any waste.

 

[triga22]

Oh. I have been running it by itself for a week becuase thats what SWF told me. I forgot to look here.