Cycling with Live Rock.......

[yae4volcom]

I am getting my 12 gallon very soon and I was wondering when I should add the 20 LB of Live Rock. Im going to use a raw shrimp anyway so I just wanted to know if the LR speeds up the cycle.

 

[buzz]

It could. It provides more surface area for bacteria to adhere to, and the microscopic life on the rock will help filter.
I would add it right away, especially if you are just going to be starting the tank cycling.

 

[grallster]

I'd skip the shrimp and just cycle with uncured live rock.

 

[escape2thewater]

Add the LR right from the start. It will speed up your cycling time tremendously and also stabilize the system. It will cure/finish curing during your cycle so when NH3 & NH4 & NO2 drop back to zero you can begin stocking your tank. I added uncured LR to my tank to start the cycle and within a couple hours ammonia went from .25ppm to 2.0ppm and the next morning it was 4.0ppm. LR is good stuff I would add it right away. IMHO & HTH.
Kyle

 

[yae4volcom]

I dont know how Im going to fit 20-25 lb of LR into a 12 gallon
I dont want my tank to look to crowded. Any Ideas?