Cycle Question

15 pounds of live rock isn't much. I doubt it will hold even near enough bacteria to have to skip the cycle process for a 75 gallon tank, unless you plan on stocking the tank like it was a 10 gallon tank (i.e. 1 fish, 2 snails, and a partridge in a pear tree).

I would just put the 15# of rock in and cycle anyway. The bacteria on the rock will spread quickly and basicly it should atleast shorten your cycle to less than a month.

Guy
 
That's kinda what I though Guy, but will I be destroying all the goodies on the rock? I know the bacteria and algae will make it, but what about pods and other things?
 
i would recommend just getting another 15 pounds of rock when the cycle is over if thats what your worried about, losing the life. But I think a lot of stuff will live, not everything, but some.

Or get a live sand activator kit from ipsf.com after cycle.

Guy
 
unless you plan on stocking the tank like it was a 10 gallon tank
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That was kind of the idea. Stock lightly, ramp up slowly. Just an idea. I'd skip the partridge, though.

Here's another view (more in line with OrionGirl and Guy). Live rock isn't so precious that it's worth rushing anything. Maybe forget the live rock for the moment, or put it in, then cycle the tank. If you are worried about killing the stuff on it, then wait until the tank is cycled.
 
The only problem I have is that the offer I have for LR is NOW and it's a good deal. So really for $35 if I get any benefit at all from it, it was worth the money. I see what you are saying Mogurnda, basically keep my bioload just below what my rock can handle, and as the bacteria multiplies and seeds my dsb and base rock, I can upgrade my bioload, but I have to decide if, like you said, the rock is worth all the fuss. It's only 15# and it's only $35, so should I just add it and cycle with the shrimp, thereby guaranteeing a seeded dsb, and hope that my LR survives enough to seed my base rock. If it doesn't, buy an activator, or try to find another deal on LR.
 
Most of my hasty decisions have led to a lot of stress. If you are in doubt, I would keep my eyes peeled for another deal. I agree that $35/15 lbs is a good deal, but you have to balance that against the worry and hassle. JMO.
 
You're right, and I guess it's not so much that I'm worried, I just really wanted to hear from people who had done this in the past and find out what my best bet it. I didn't know if anything on cured LR could survive a coctail shrimp cycle, so I guess I'll buy it and hope some of the coralline algae, pods, and other life on the rock survives and will eventually seed my base rock, time will tell...


Thanks for all the help by the way, I hope to get my tank going this week, it's been a 3 month planning, waiting, and buying process that has felt like 3 years!!! I hope to put some pics up when I set up. I know I'll have tons of questions!!
 
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