Live Rock

[cliffrouse11bas]

I just added 32 lbs of live rock in my tank and am hoping to get this thing going as soon as it is trough cycling. Any tips on how to cycle it. All I have in it is the live rock and a 4 inch deep sand bed no live sand yet.

 

[overanalyzer]

a dead shrimp for the local market will get it going

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

The rock is already cured could i put one false clownfish i have in there and let him cycle it or would he die in the cycling process. Also, if i put a shrimp in there wouldn't that kill alot of the stuff alive that is in my live rock.

 

[saltyrich]

I would remove the clown. As posted, ad the cocktail shrimp from the grocery store and let it rot. What I do is after the shrimp rots, I begin adding Bactervital for 3 days. This process usually takes 11/2 - 2 weeks if using the shrimp and bactervital from the time you put the shrimp in. As always, consistently test your paramiters to determine when the cycle is finished. The old fashioned method is to do what you've done and just let the tank run for about 6 weeks. Once again, test consistently to know when the cycle is finished. I'm certain there are many methods. Maybe do a search to figure out what is best for you.

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

I would throw in a shrimp but wouldnt that kill all i have alive in my rock????

 

[saltyrich]

No.

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

Thanks Im going to go buy me some shrimp
Can it be frozen kind because I have some of those in the freezer

 

[maroonclownfan]

Shouldn't it be raw, uncooked shrimp??? I am not sure either, since I cycled my tank with LR and LS. Took about a month.
I don't think you will get the same results with cooked shrimp, raw frozen maybe.....this is just a guess though.
MCF

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

It is not cooked it was just frozen after they were cleaned...

 

[maroonclownfan]

I did a search and found posts that state just about any dead shrimp will work, so I say go for it. Frozen or not doesn't really seem to matter.
Plop...plop.....fizz....fizz...so do speak
MCF

 

[saltyrich]

I prefer raw in the shell shrimp. I took the shell off though. Het, I'm from NC. Morganton, NC to be exact. Where are you at?

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

Kinston North Carolina
So i cant just thaw out that frozen and place that in there.

 

[saltyrich]

yep. Just throw it in. The water temp will thaw it and then rot it. I really do recommend trying the Bactervital. Do an online search for it and check it out. I know a lot of folks that have used it with great success around Albuquerque to help with the cycling process.

 

[slick]

Hope it goes well for you.

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

I just threw in the shrimp. I hope it all goes well. Does it matter where the shrimp lands???

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

??????

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

All I need to do is watch the ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates for 2-3 weeks when i have none of the above or very low nitrates I am ready to go if I understand correctly.

 

[maroonclownfan]

You should probably test your water every few days and watch for these events to happen: This is just a rough overview, not scientific.
1) ammonia spike
2) presence of nitrites
3) ammonia drops as nitrites increase
4) ammonia gone, nitrites high
5) nitrites start to convert to nitrates
6) nitrites gone, ammonia gone, nitrates low or gone
cycle done
ps. expect a diatom (red slime) bloom somewhere during this time. It is just a part of the cycle.
Good Luck.......MCF
MCF

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

I have a question I have on one of the pieces of live rock I got there is a white tubular thing on it and a flower looking think comes in and out it is white with red stripes on it. When walk by the tank or move something in the tank it goes in when it just sits there it stays out. It is pretty. Anyone know what this is?

 

[maroonclownfan]

Its a type of fan worm, they are filter feeders. I have a couple that came in on liverock in my tank too. They are easily startled by changes in light or movement, it is just a defense mechanism.
I have one all white one about the size of a nickel, I too think they are very cool. Consider it a little added bonus to your LR purchase.
Mine did make it through the "cycling" of my tank so hopefully yours will too. Plus it gives you something to look at in your tank while you are waiting.
Enjoy........MCF