The live rock probably has lots of bacteria already in it, so I don't think Cycle will do much one way or the other. The lack of significant ammonia or nitrite probably means that there was little die off from the rock, and the system is ready for more. What you want to do right now is test the system, to see if you really do have established bacteria. A piece of frozen shrimp is one way, or you could take a chance and add an organism.
New 13G Nano Received! Need help starting step by step....
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Sorry, but I don't understand how adding the shrimp or organism tests the bacteria... If I put in an organism won't it die, b/c it seems nothing has happened in the tank since I added the rock... It didn't "cycle"... Could you clarify?
If I put an organism, what type are you referring to? Suggestions?
If I put an organism, what type are you referring to? Suggestions?
When you add live rock to the tank, cycling is a little different. Ordinarily, a tank goes through a series of stages when it is started up. The ammonia produced by fish or rotting shrimp initially builds up, until the bacteria that convert it to nitrite multiply and deal with it. More slowly, other bacteria that feed off nitrite develop, converting it to nitrate. Once the bacterial colonies are established, you are good to go.
If you use live rock, you can, in theory, bypass the whole process. In and on the rock are the colonies of bacteria you need for efficient conversion of ammonia to nitrate (and ultimately, elimination of nitrate as well). The tank can, (in theory, again) be stocked immediately if you have enough live rock. The problem is that transport of live rock usually results in things like sponges and stuff dying off, which will cause an ammonia spike. In your case, not much died (so nothing happened), and it is probably a viable biological filter.
The thing is, we can't be sure until you give the tank a bit of ammonia to test he biological filtration. Here are some ideas:
1. Take a half a piece of shrimp, toss it in and wait. You should expect to see little or no change in ammonia.
2. Go ahead and order your TBS rock. The tank is probably ready for it, and you should be ready to do large water changes anyway.
3. Add a small collection of hermits or other hardy invertebrate. This is the least desirable, because you will have to juggle them when you add the new rock.
Better?
If you use live rock, you can, in theory, bypass the whole process. In and on the rock are the colonies of bacteria you need for efficient conversion of ammonia to nitrate (and ultimately, elimination of nitrate as well). The tank can, (in theory, again) be stocked immediately if you have enough live rock. The problem is that transport of live rock usually results in things like sponges and stuff dying off, which will cause an ammonia spike. In your case, not much died (so nothing happened), and it is probably a viable biological filter.
The thing is, we can't be sure until you give the tank a bit of ammonia to test he biological filtration. Here are some ideas:
1. Take a half a piece of shrimp, toss it in and wait. You should expect to see little or no change in ammonia.
2. Go ahead and order your TBS rock. The tank is probably ready for it, and you should be ready to do large water changes anyway.
3. Add a small collection of hermits or other hardy invertebrate. This is the least desirable, because you will have to juggle them when you add the new rock.
Better?
Much! Thank you. I think I'll try the shrimp first and check the ammonia for a few days... Actually TBS was supposed to call me when they had LR but I haven't heard anything and that was almost 2 weeks ago... I'll call again...
When I DO order it, how much should I get. I have 10 now. Maybe 15 lbs. and some hermits, etc...???
When I DO order it, how much should I get. I have 10 now. Maybe 15 lbs. and some hermits, etc...???
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I would call again. They can get swamped, and sometimes a bit flaky.
15 lbs is probably good. I would order about 15 astrea snails, 10-15 hermits, and a serpent star. You will need the grazers and scavengers.
15 lbs is probably good. I would order about 15 astrea snails, 10-15 hermits, and a serpent star. You will need the grazers and scavengers.
HI! I just tested and it's 0 ammonia 0 nitrite.
I added the frozen shrimp... Now I just keep checking the ammonia??? I want it to stay down, right?
(I added 2 pics to my page below...)
I added the frozen shrimp... Now I just keep checking the ammonia??? I want it to stay down, right?
(I added 2 pics to my page below...)
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This is such an awesome, informative thread! I'm so excited for you Val - for both the tank and your engagement - CONGRATS!!
Anyway, I think this could make a good article, or at least a sticky. So much good info here
Anyway, I think this could make a good article, or at least a sticky. So much good info here
OK- 24 hours later. Ammonia went from 0 to 0.25...
The water clouded also and it smells a little... Should I leave the shrimp in?
The water clouded also and it smells a little... Should I leave the shrimp in?
