Cycling question from Marine Newbie

[LarryS]

Hello all. Excellent forum. I have been reading and learning. I have kept freshwater tanks for 10 yrs. Now starting saltwater. I have a 45 gal tall tank (36"x12"x24"), with a 2" layer of sugar sized calcium carbonate sand bed, and 5lbs of live rock. Using a Magnum 350 cannister with just a coarse nylon filter sleeve and an Eheim 2224 cannister with what ceramic and sintered glass media for harboring bacteria colonies. 3 blue damsels introduced on 1/18/04.

On 1/25/04 had water readings of 8.0pH, 1.025 sg, .25ppm ammonia, .3ppm nitrite and 10ppm nitrate. I assumed my cycling was just beginning. On 1/30/04 I now have 8.0pH, 1.025 sg, 0ppm ammonia, 0ppm nitrite and 10ppm nitrate.

I am confused that my ammonia and nitrate have gone to 0 so quickly, and can't believe I have already cycled the tank. I have read about the coctail shrimp method of cycling, and had thought about starting over again doing that and taking out the damsels, but I work out of my house and my office is the room where the tank is. I am afraid I won't be able to stand the smell for 6 weeks!!

Any thoughts as to whether I could have cycled so quickly, and'or suggestions. Additionally, I have another 30 lbs of the same sand, and would like to add more to increase the depth of the sand bed, but am concerned that doing so might bury and possibly neutralize the bacteria currently developing on the bed.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[CHughes]

Larry:
I would think the LR sped up your cycle along with the external filtration. You should be able to add more sand without any noticible effect, other than being cloudy for a day or so. I'd turn off the external filters and add a powerhead to settle the sand.

You should also consider adding more LR. Recommendations in this forum are for 1 to 1 1/2 lbs per gal.

Chris

[DEmigh]

Welcome to Aquaria Central :)

In lieu of rotting shrimp, a careful search for pure liquid ammonia may provide you with a non-stinky way to a fish-less cycle. The ammonia must have no surfactants, dyes, or other cleaner type additives. I finally found some at (of all places) a hardware store.

Edit: Oh yeah, If you do want to re(?)cycle your tank, IMHO the liverock deserves the same care as the fish.

[LarryS]

To all who replied. Thank you very much. You are generous in your time in responding. I'm certain to continue to frequent this site to learn and I'm sure I will have more questions in the weeks ahead.