Will adding LR cause another cycle?

[davidj5491]

Hey guys, I only have about 10lbs of LR in my 29 gallon right now, and I'm thinking I need to add more. The only thing is that I'm afraid that if I add more, that it will cause another cycle. I don't have a QT just yet, so I don't have a place to keep it to assure that it's fully cured. And the last thing I want to do is risk stressing my cleanup crew and also prolonging my clown purchase. What do you guys think?

 

[jenn-e]

Yes it will cause another cycle if you add uncured lr to your tank. Just use a rubbermaid container or trashcan to cure the rock before you add it. Use the search button to find lots of advice on curing lr.

 

[davidj5491]

I just took the time to do a search and read up on this a bit. It seems that as long as I buy cured LR from a display at a LFS, then I will be OK. Am I correct in this assumption?

 

[cowfishrule]

there will be some die-off, so it will probably cause your ammonia to jump a little.
how close is your lfs?
bring a bucket to him, and see if he could fill it with water and keep your rock submerged
im guessing that would prevent die off, as long as you got home asap...

 

[davidj5491]

My lfs is about a 30 minute drive. That was my only concern, die-off on the drive home. I didn't even think of taking a bucket with me, that sounds like a good idea. Might try that. I just hope they're not stingy with their water.

 

[meadbhb]

HIya,
You could also take water from your tank.
Meadbhb

 

[big911dog]

take a rubbermaid container with lid and tank water to be safe, but Bang once told me LR is ok out of the water for like 12 or 24 hours as long as its kept moist (obviously submerged is better). You will see die off from any sponges as they arent supposed to be exposed to air at all.

 

[cowfishrule]

i had the store out in lancaster pa fill the bags w/ water when i bought lr from there. it's a 3 hour drive from lancaster to my crib, and i had no die off when the rock went into my tank