cycling a new tank

[steve88_55]

i have a 20 gallon tank with 20 pounds of live rock i am cycling my tank with a dead shimp and i was wondering how long i needed to leave the shrimp in for and if i had to do any water changes while in the cycling process

[ooja3k]

test your tank until ammonia levels reach 1 or 1.5ppm.. then you should be safe to remove the shrimp...some people leave it longer though...

[Grins]

I'd leave it in until you reached at least 2, even 4 would be good.