Cycling question

[bterry29]

I started a 55g tank in my office on December 30. I put a raw shrimp in on January 2 to start the cycling. I used RO/DI water and have added 55 lbs of LR. It has 40 lbs of aragonite for the base. I have done three water tests (1/4, 1/7, 1/12) and all have given the same results:
PH = 8.2
Ammonia = .25
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 20
Salinity = 1.023
At this point shouldn't I have noticed a spike in the ammonia? The raw shrimp has disappeared. When I left work on Friday it was sitting on the sand and was about the size of a quarter. Now it is no where to be found. Should I put another one in? Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[lfd-143]

What kind of test kit did you use? If your worried take a water sample to your LFS and ask them to test it so you have something to compare to.HTH

 

[cprdnick]

I second that question, what brand of test are you using?

 

[reefnoob]

Hey berry, I did almost the exact same thing but started a few weeks bedfore you. I have 60lbs of CURED quality LR, I have 50Lbs of live sand..
in my 55gallon tank. I have been testing everyday since day one.. I had a very small and fast amonia spike to .5 in the first week or two and then it dropped to .25. THen my LFS did a test on the water with a salifert kit (mine is on the way) and the amonia is zero. My cycle was over as fast as it started because of the adequate bacteria I had in there with cured rock and live sand. THere was some die-off from the sand, but not much, was just enough to cycle. I added 2 damsels about 2 weeks ago and no spike or cycle has restarted.... So I have taken out the damsels, what a chore that was with 60lbs of LR let me tell you... and next week I am stocking with just a couple of fish and a small set of inverts to help dispose of my diatoms and algae...
Peeps on this board gave great advice.. thanks.

 

[bterry29]

Yes, the LR was purchased locally and was cured. The LFS said they had it for about 4-6 weeks. There was no smell and it was covered with coraline. I'm using the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Saltwater Master Kit. I've used it with my tank at home also. Is it possible that I won't experience a cycle because of the LR?

 

[elfdoctors]

Originally posted by bterry29
Is it possible that I won't experience a cycle because of the LR?

:yes: The purpose for the cycle is to produce enough beneficial bacteria to break down ammonia and nitrites quickly. By adding the quality live rock which didn't have much die-off you added a large amount of bacteria to begin with. The shrimp may have been converted to nitrates quickly. I would probably just feed the tank as if there was a pair of small fish in it for about a week. If your readings are still okay, I'd say you would be ready for fish.

 

[cprdnick]

Yes it's very possible that you won't experience much of a cycle because of the very reason several people have mentioned in the previous posts. The Aquarium Pharmecuticals master test kit has recently been notorious for reading .25ppm over what the levels actually are on the ammonia scale. I would take a water sample to your LFS and have them double check your levels.
Clint

 

[bterry29]

Thanks for the information about the test kit. The ammonia in my tank at home has also been reading .25 the last few tests. What test kit would you recommend?

 

[cprdnick]

Salifert, Most for your money.

 

[reefnoob]

Cured rock, means it already has bacteria and has been cycled, if it is not misshandled and you get 1 - 2 lbs per gallon of tank water, and a good LS bed, you will not likely see a cycle AND the bacteria is there.

 

[azndna17]

ok from what i've been reading ppl saying getting live uncured rock to cycle the tank which means having to stink up the place or getting the live cured rock with good live sand and still having the bacteria. I would say the second choice is better mainly because you don't have to cycle and it doesn't stink but i'm wondering if that works, why are ppl still using the first method and i've been reading some post and ppl say to use the uncured rock method.