Dr Tim's One and Only

[Reefomeez]

For those that have used this...how long before you were able to stock the tank? I'm racing the calendar to get my new setup done in time for me to transfer my current tank's stock before a vacation I have. Everything will be automated in the new setup so taking a vacation will be less stressful (lol).

Who has used this? What was your experience? How "long" does it take? Can I use a shrimp as my ammonia source?

 

[Riblet]

I used it and it worked pretty good, 4 weeks and I add 2 clowns. I think I have some of their ammonia they sell with their one and only. U can have it if u like.

 

[Six2seven]

When I switched tanks I transferred all my live rock, and water but since I used new sand I added Dr tims. I did not see a cycle but I had a lot of rock so I don't know which it was that did it.

 

[Reefomeez]

I used it and it worked pretty good, 4 weeks and I add 2 clowns. I think I have some of their ammonia they sell with their one and only. U can have it if u like.

Sweet thanks! Do you think I should buy another bottle? It'll be for approximately 140g of water.

When I switched tanks I transferred all my live rock, and water but since I used new sand I added Dr tims. I did not see a cycle but I had a lot of rock so I don't know which it was that did it.

I won't have nearly enough water and I'm not bringing in my rock...maybe in the sump but not really planning on it.

Maybe I should buy an extra dosage just in case I start to see it's needed.

 

[johnwin84]

I waited probably 2 or 3 weeks . I used dry sand and dry rock, but like 40 gallon old water.

 

[Reefomeez]

I waited probably 2 or 3 weeks . I used dry sand and dry rock, but like 40 gallon old water.

Thanks John. I might need to start asking folks for old water. I have like 15 myself.

 

[pgr11]

I used 80% new rock and all new sand in my tank. Added the ammonia like hid instructions say and tank was ready in a week. It worked great

 

[lovingacans]

I've used it and added fish right after I poured it in... I spoke to Dr. Tim and that's what he said to do. As far as coral goes, I would wait a couple weeks.
I don't think you should add a shrimp...isn't that why your using the " all in one".
I have a couple bottles for sale if you can't find any.

 

[Reefomeez]

I've used it and added fish right after I poured it in... I spoke to Dr. Tim and that's what he said to do. As far as coral goes, I would wait a couple weeks.
I don't think you should add a shrimp...isn't that why your using the " all in one".
I have a couple bottles for sale if you can't find any.

Basically I need to have transferred everything over to the new tank by mid August. I changed my setup plans from two smaller tanks to one big tank and that's why I'm behind my ideal schedule. I'll be using dry rock and "used", rinsed sand initially. Ideally, I'd have my livestock in the new tank by the beginning of August so that I can monitor and adjust. But maybe I'll just stick the fish in there and move the coral about a week before my trip.

I hate to rush the cycle but it's either that or roll the dice during my vacation. Last year it cost me several SPS and a clam...

 

[thedevilscandy]

You can use your old sand if you get all the rock and fish out and then stir the sand really well and syphon out all the junk. That will prevent and spikes. Even if you use new sand plus all your rock and as much of your water as you can, you will be fine to add the fish right away. I used the Instant Ocean version of Dr. Tims, and Superbacs a couple years ago, and was fine both times. Just do a decent water change and add a new bottle for the first 3-4 weeks to play it safe an ensure there's enough goo bacteria. I've done upgrades 3 times that way and never lost anything.

 

[Reefomeez]

You can use your old sand if you get all the rock and fish out and then stir the sand really well and syphon out all the junk. That will prevent and spikes. Even if you use new sand plus all your rock and as much of your water as you can, you will be fine to add the fish right away. I used the Instant Ocean version of Dr. Tims, and Superbacs a couple years ago, and was fine both times. Just do a decent water change and add a new bottle for the first 3-4 weeks to play it safe an ensure there's enough goo bacteria. I've done upgrades 3 times that way and never lost anything.

This makes me feel better. I'm going from a 40 to a 120 so even if I was using my rock and sand it wouldn't be nearly enough to prevent a cycle. I'll be sure to get some extra in case it's necessary.


I'm actually now thinking of using Fritz Zyme TurboStart 900. This is a concentrated solution and should work faster.

 

[turbonut]

I've used it and its actually what we use in the
R A P display tank when we set it up both times. It seems to work as claimed.

 

[BeanMachine]

Thanks John. I might need to start asking folks for old water. I have like 15 myself.

Its my understanding that although bacteria is in the water column the majority colonizes surfaces in the rock glass and equipment. So water is more for keeping the parameters the same when transferring tanks from smaller to larger or larger to smaller reducing the stress to those animals you are moving not really to cycle the tank.

 

[Justkeepswimming]

i used dr time four times while setting up new tanks. I fully trust this product because i have not lost any fish in the process. I would say wait a couple weeks before adding any shrimp and maybe corals.

 

[Reefomeez]

Its my understanding that although bacteria is in the water column the majority colonizes surfaces in the rock glass and equipment. So water is more for keeping the parameters the same when transferring tanks from smaller to larger or larger to smaller reducing the stress to those animals you are moving not really to cycle the tank.

Agree and that's actually the major reason I want to get more used water. New water is harsh and so 140g of new water wouldn't be the best move for moving my coral over. I'll keep using my current DT water for water changes.

 

[Reefomeez]

i used dr time four times while setting up new tanks. I fully trust this product because i have not lost any fish in the process. I would say wait a couple weeks before adding any shrimp and maybe corals.

You used Dr Tim's or the Fritzzyme Turbostart?

 

[BeanMachine]

Agree and that's actually the major reason I want to get more used water. New water is harsh and so 140g of new water wouldn't be the best move for moving my coral over. I'll keep using my current DT water for water changes.

Then getting peoples water change water wouldn't help you in this case imo. You need as much of your water... match the parameters to the new salt you put in should be all you'll need to do. How long your tank will take to cycle its hard to say.

Can you do a few extra water changes before you leave? Like once a week instead of once every two. That would lessen the shock and give you extra water when you do complete the switch.

 

[Reefomeez]

Can you do a few extra water changes before you leave? Like once a week instead of once every two. That would lessen the shock and give you extra water when you do complete the switch.

Considering I just took my skimmer offline...I think this might be exactly what I do...great suggestion, thanks.

 

[nex]

+1 on the effectiveness of dr tims.

Thesaltwatertankguy has a good youtube video on instructions for using the nitrifying bacteria, def recommend you check it out...

 

[lovingacans]

Don't over think this. Add the proper amount of Dr.Tims. Add fish then and turn off skimmer and take socks out if you use them. Wait a few days and turn that stuff back on. Add coral after your check your water parameters. I did this and didn't have a problem. Or wait on the coral and add it a week before you leave.