Cycle with live rock?
- Thread starter pufferfan
- Start date
maroonclownfan
Member
Better, IMO, and much more humane. That is my preferred way.
Find some good quality UNCURED LR (Cured will work but possibly not as effective, less ammonia to kick start the cycle) and optional LS and your tank will cycle just fine.
Don't put a Damsel in distress (pun)....use dead shrimp or LR/LS. This has been a public service announcement..
MCF
Find some good quality UNCURED LR (Cured will work but possibly not as effective, less ammonia to kick start the cycle) and optional LS and your tank will cycle just fine.
Don't put a Damsel in distress (pun)....use dead shrimp or LR/LS. This has been a public service announcement..
MCF
beaslbob
Well-Known Member
Originally posted by PufferFan
I know that if you use live rock to cycle the tank, it will cycle A LOT faster. Is this just as good as doing it with just damsels?
The question should be wether or not the tank will cycle faster with or without live rock. the answer is yes. Because live contains bacteria and algae to start the cycling process. Of course you have to cure the rock first which is also a form a cycling. Besides live rock looks neet with the colors and stuff on it.
If you use water from an established tank, that makes an excellent seed for the bacteria of the new tank. So if you know someone with a saltwater tank, who conducts weekly water changes, Just get some of the water they throw down the drain.
My favorate is to stock the tank with lotsa macro algae. That helps in any event but future inhabitants will like to eat the stuff.
Finally I like mollies instead of damsels. They are hardier and have babies in the tank
pufferfan
Member
Originally posted by beaslbob
If you use water from an established tank, that makes an excellent seed for the bacteria of the new tank.
Our LFS sells pre-made purified salt water. I was thinking about buying that instead of mixing my own. Would that be considered an established tank?
Thanks for the help!
broomer5
Active Member
Personally I don't see a need to add saltwater from another persons tank to one of my tanks - ever.
Adding live rock, either cured or uncured will have plenty of benefical bacteria, and once added to your new tank .... you'll be on your way.
This of course is my opinion.
The shrimp method as kip mentioned is a good way as well.
Adding live rock, either cured or uncured will have plenty of benefical bacteria, and once added to your new tank .... you'll be on your way.
This of course is my opinion.
The shrimp method as kip mentioned is a good way as well.