I was afraid of this...

[OgreMkV]

I added cured live rock and live sand yesterday at about 5:00PM. 24 hours later, I have no measurable ammonia or nitrates (brand new API liquid tests).

This leads to two possible conclusions:

A) The tank didn't really cycle because of the cured liverock and live sand.

B) The cycle hasn't even begun yet.

Either way, I don't have any algae or diatom growth. Don't worry I'm not planning on adding fish or anything at this point. I just would like an opinion or two about what is going on?

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Add 2ppm of ammonia and test again in 24 hrs.

 

[lanimret]

Add 2ppm of ammonia and test again in 24 hrs.

I like the dangle a raw shrimp method.

Continuous and natural ammonia source which allows you to better test the cycle over a longer period of time with a realistic situation (dead fish stuck somewhere you can't get)

 

[Reefscape]

I like the dangle a raw shrimp method.

Continuous and natural ammonia source which allows you to better test the cycle over a longer period of time with a realistic situation (dead fish stuck somewhere you can't get)

Agreed....my chosen method also..

 

[Slappy*McFish]

I agree with the raw shrimp method for cycling, as well. My suggestion is merely for testing purposes to see if the tank has already 'cycled' due to the LR or if the cycle needs to start. If the ammonia is gone within 24hrs, then the tank should be good to go.

 

[OgreMkV]

Raw shrimp now floating in tank.

 

[owl]

Raw shrimp now floating in tank.

it s better to put it in a sock or somethin before it rot , make it easier to remove afterward

 

[OgreMkV]

OK, after 24 hours with shrimp in tank, I've got an ammonia reading of .25. Should I take the shrimp out or leave it in?

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Leave it in until you get a 0 ammonia reading.