Best way to seed dry rock?

[thomasdo87]

I am guessing the best way to seed dry rock is to mix it with live rock. However, would products such as Dr. Tims Aquatics work on establishing beneficial bacteria?

Setting up a new aquarium: Ammonia Removal: One And Only Nitrifying Bacteria by Dr Tim's Aquatics

 

[rock_lobster]

I wouldn't waste money on live bacteria this hobby requires patience and given 2 weeks your tank will establish plenty of nitrifying bacteria on its own. That product is really absurdly priced I must say.

 

[thomasdo87]

Im not trying to speed up the cycle. I used 50lb of marco rocks and 40lbs of dry sand. Hence, there is no bacteria in there to start with. I don't really want to take rocks out of my current tanks and dont want to buy live rock and thought this could be an alternative without the risk of adding unwanted pests and algae.

 

[rock_lobster]

Desired species of nitrifying bacteria are present everywhere (e.g., in the air). Therefore, once you have an ammonia source in your tank, it's only a matter of time before the desired bacteria establish a colony.