The question to all you experienced reefers out there is how long a tank can mature with phantom feeding and no livestock?
The reason - I began a cycle a week ago and everything is going well. But I've recently felt the need to cut back on spending for a number of reasons (including the huge startup cost and a hefty deposit to my landlord). To be clear, I didn't irresponsibly start the tank - I am aware it is an expensive hobby and can handle necessary purchases. But I'm hoping to clamp down on spending for a while, out of caution (freelancer).
So I'm wondering, how long can my tank go (post-cycle) without any livestock (this includes CUC) to speak of? Would phantom feeding be enough to keep the nitrifying bacteria happy for another 30 days or so - post-cycle?
An added element to the Q is whether I can get by for a month or so without adding a light? Was thinking I could introduce window light after nitrites and ammonia read zero for a week. Diffuse, nothing blasting the tank but enough to allow the algae blooms to start.
What are your thoughts on this approach and if possible, is there anything I should look out for? Thanks in advance for your help!
The reason - I began a cycle a week ago and everything is going well. But I've recently felt the need to cut back on spending for a number of reasons (including the huge startup cost and a hefty deposit to my landlord). To be clear, I didn't irresponsibly start the tank - I am aware it is an expensive hobby and can handle necessary purchases. But I'm hoping to clamp down on spending for a while, out of caution (freelancer).
So I'm wondering, how long can my tank go (post-cycle) without any livestock (this includes CUC) to speak of? Would phantom feeding be enough to keep the nitrifying bacteria happy for another 30 days or so - post-cycle?
An added element to the Q is whether I can get by for a month or so without adding a light? Was thinking I could introduce window light after nitrites and ammonia read zero for a week. Diffuse, nothing blasting the tank but enough to allow the algae blooms to start.
What are your thoughts on this approach and if possible, is there anything I should look out for? Thanks in advance for your help!