Bio-Ball Concern

[jttenpro]

I am in the process of setting up a 90 gal FOWLR w/ a built in overflow. I have set up an Aqua Clear wet-dry underneath w/bio-balls. Will add live rock in a few weeks after cycle.
Do the bio-balls need time for the bacteria to build up on them which I heard is about 10 days or so, or can I start the wet-dry when I throw in a dead shrimp or feed the tank to cycle. I am testing the overflow and have the wet-dry on part of the time. Is the bacteria growing and then dying and how long does it live when the bio-balls run dry say during a power outage.

 

[beth]

You need to run the wet/dry filter. Also, don't throw in a dead shimp. Throw in some Live Rock, and then feed the live rock.
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=151223

 

[jttenpro]

I have heard, debatable I know, if you cycle the tank w/ live rock there is a lot of die off w/the high ammonia levels and thats why I was going to wait until tank was cycled, add cured rock w/ a minimal spike to prevent a lot of die off. I was going to cycle w/ the rock originally, so still confused on that one.
The bio-balls I was going to keep running, just wondered when the bacteria starts to form and if that should be built up before cycling or not and how long it takes if the bio-balls run dry for the bacteria to die.
Thanks Beth