ammonia/ cycling

[gharner]

i have had my tank set up now with livesand for a week now and have had liverock for 3 days. i tested the water and the ammonia isnt even showing. the test kit im using is the "saltwater master test kit" from API. there isnt even any ammonia showing up. shouldnt it at least be starting to show up? when i shake up the solution in the test tube the color stays crystal clear, but should atleast turn yellow even if there isnt any ammonia.

 

[hot883]

What did you use to start the cycle? The cycle can last 4-6 WEEKS.

 

[gharner]

ok im gonna sound stupid but do i need to start the cycle with like a dead shrimp or fish food? i thought that the live rock and live sand would do it all???
* details: 12 gallon aquapod,
filtration that came with the tank
10 #s of live rock
10 #s of live sand

 

[hot883]

Yes, you will need something to start ammonia cycle. Food or raw shrimp. If the sand is live and the live rock was bought locally, then add a shrimp or start feeding the tank everyday. It needs something to decay.

 

[gharner]

ok, thanks..........wow do i feel like an idiot.
i wonder how long i would have been waiting for the tank to cycle before i figured it out.haha

 

[hot883]

No problem thats why we are here. get ya a raw shrimp from the deli section and put it in the tank. It will get fuzzy looking. You can take it out then or leave it in longer. If it stinks up the house then take it out.
Please ask on here before you buy any fish or inhabitants. Welcome to the boards. Barry