Bacteria Additive or not?

ReefPops · May 23, 2012

So in my new tank I used dry rock and live sand with some dry sand. Even though I used live sand, will I still "need" or consider using a bacteria additive such as microbacter? I have never done all dead rock before so wasn't sure. No hurry for the cycle just want a happy tank.

Saltgator · May 23, 2012

IMO, the ''live sand'' should be enough. GL and post pics

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jonbar1 · May 23, 2012

Should be fine from the sand, but worth a try IMO if it's not too expensive.

When I started my tank years ago, the LFS talked me into adding BioSpira. I was skeptical even though the cycle was minimal in my tank. I don't even know if they still sell it. On my next tank I'm gonna try some of these newer bacterial cultures just because I like the idea of having a broad range of microfauna without the hitchhikers that come off live rock.

strange33w · May 24, 2012

I used the DR. Tims in my new build. I think it help speed things up a little. I used dry sand and dry rock and the cycle was completed in 4 weeks. I think I might have been better off just getting a piece or 2 or good live rock as the DR. Tims was pretty expensive for a tank volume around 200.

chort55 · May 24, 2012

If your planning on doing carbon dosing (vodka, vinegar....) mind as well start the MB7 now, it should help speed things up and it will get you ready for your dosing as well.

REEFKEEPER10 · May 24, 2012

Yeah running a biopellet reactor and dosing MB7 will shorten your cycle. The bacteria will take up the ammonia as it is produced and multiple. Not for sure if that is good or bad. But that is how we learn thing in this hobby right. With no fish in the tank it can't hurt to find out.

ReefPops · May 24, 2012

Thanks everyone. No plans for dosing now, but always a possibility. I may give it a shot, but if live sand is enough and I'm not in a hurry maybe not. It's been up for almost a month now. Just waiting for the skimmer to settle. Definitely going to start a thread.

REEFKEEPER10 · May 24, 2012

Good for you. Getting in a hurry is never good when it comes to reef tanks. Have you tested your system for ammonia and nitrites. You maybe good to go already.

ReefPops · May 24, 2012

Since I don't have my chiller yet and since my skimmer isn't yet working "right" I haven't really been testing. That's a no-no on my behalf, but I don't have intentions of adding anything for a few weeks so I guess I figured once it's all working properly I will start testing. I have a stash in my current tank waiting to be moved though. It's been like tetris trying to make it all fit

Haddonis Reef · May 24, 2012

I like seachems stability to help w speeding up cycle time!

DOI · May 24, 2012

Since your already at 4 weeks there is no need for bacteria additions. Just keep an eye on your ammonia as it begins to drop. I have super cycled tanks in 3-4 days before when in a crunch but you're good at this point.

reefknight · Jun 13, 2012

DOI said:
Since your already at 4 weeks there is no need for bacteria additions. Just keep an eye on your ammonia as it begins to drop. I have super cycled tanks in 3-4 days before when in a crunch but you're good at this point.

Can you outline how you did this, as I am curious? I always like to hear the different ways people cycle systems.

dougers31 · Jun 13, 2012

Haddonis Reef said:
I like seachems stability to help w speeding up cycle time!

I used it with my 40 br. Dry sand and dead/cleaned rock. Never even tested for ammonia, just waited for the water to clear up, then added a couple of small fish and so far the results are really good.