dad&son
Member
Tank has cycled for approx 3 weeks started cycle with 50 lbs LR 40 lbs CC base rock then added additional 15-20 lbs 5 days in to cycle water parameters are now pH 8.0 (has fallen slightly) ammonia ) ppm nitrite 0 ppm and ammonia 0 ppm nitrate is 5 ppm. On the live rock several starfish apperead in the tank about a week ago along with a small colony of very small feather dusters I believe there are 6 in all on one rock 1/8 inch and appear to be functioning quite well. The LR has lost some of it color but i figure this is normal since i did not use lights first 2 weeks of cycle. My question is this now that the tank appears to have cycled do I need to add any additional bio load to the tank in the form of fish or crabs or something else to keep the bacteria that just grew alive and growing . My understanding behind the whole cycle thing was that you had to have some die of and then your spikes and then your declines in water parametrs to show that this bacteria has began to grow in your tank. I am really only concerned because tank cycled quicker than expected and I am going on vacation for a week next week and dont want to have bacteria die on me and have to recycle tank I hope this makes sense to someone because I am cofused as heck.