Mark, I currently cycle LR in our 30g hospital tank (b/c it was sitting there empty and we have not needed to use it yet- eventually we will need it).
I have it running with a sponge filter, a powerhead, and a heater.
When getting ready for a new tank, I usually do the trashcan + powerhead + new salt water method.
I can't really tell you if the vinegar is sufficient to remove phosphates. My gut response is no. I tend to over do it with regard to cycling rock- if it needs to cycle for 4 weeks, 12 to 16 is more likely to happen. I don't tend to test for phosphates until about 3 weeks before I am ready to put the rock in the tank.
I have it running with a sponge filter, a powerhead, and a heater.
When getting ready for a new tank, I usually do the trashcan + powerhead + new salt water method.
I can't really tell you if the vinegar is sufficient to remove phosphates. My gut response is no. I tend to over do it with regard to cycling rock- if it needs to cycle for 4 weeks, 12 to 16 is more likely to happen. I don't tend to test for phosphates until about 3 weeks before I am ready to put the rock in the tank.