Cycling Question

There should be enough of all the different bacterial species on that 'mature' wheel. This is exactly how I 'seeded' the last of my old 20g when I broke down my 75. Worked much quicker than the two previous tanks I set up with new wheels.

 

I have two powerheads, one on each side, constantly running to keep a circular rotation of water movement. About once a week I have to use a mag float to remove algae from the glass. And about once a month I remove the pvc and scrub and rinse in super hot water to clean off. I dry them off and throw them back in. Those magnum filters are awesome for this application and many more. And depending on how much I feed, which is quite a bit, the cartridge lasts between 5 and 7 days. I feed 3 cubes a day of mysis and 1 sheet of seaweed a day.

 

Using already established water is the shortcut. There really is no cycle. This is how I have started all my tanks. And at the moment I have 4 running. 180, 90, 55 and the 60 quarantine. All reefs.

 

Don't even bother with the water. Just move the wheel over and be done with it. Bacteria needs surace area to colonize. Like your wheel or rock or sand or something like that. Very little in water.
I cycle tanks in 8-10 days by adding a piece or 2 of rock from one of my established tanks.

 

Algae would be the least of my worries in a QT

 

Honestly thinking about it, some algae may actually be good in a QT tank for new fish. Especially any herbivores.