Cycle Question for Newbie

[Cscultho]

Can I use regular ammonia from the grocery store to help spike the ammonia during my cycle? Im only 5 days into the cycle and have yet to see any traces of ammonia spike only nitrates. Or should i just add a piece of raw shrimp?

65gallon tank w/35lbs LR
ph 7.8-8.0
salinity 1.023
RO/DI / Redsea salt

 

[Tokash23]

Has to be pure ammonia. I read on here a way to tell is to shake it if it foams up it has other junk in it but if its clear then its pure. Did you add bacteria to it?

 

[Cscultho]

Has to be pure ammonia. I read on here a way to tell is to shake it if it foams up it has other junk in it but if its clear then its pure. Did you add bacteria to it?

I have added nothing to the tank. Only the LR and dry sand that's it. I do have the skimmer running to help break it in...

 

[brandon429]

Are you using live rock, or dry live rock so far

From your nitrate readings, am discerning which part of your cycle already has the bacteria present


This thread says live rock doesn't need to cycle, that we wouldn't add shrimp cycling to live rock
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-microbiology-of-reef-tank-cycling.214618/


When you reported no ammonia, that's how it should be for live rock that's a confirming measure.

 

[Cscultho]

Are you using live rock, or dry white rock so far

From your nitrate readings, am discerning which part of your cycle already has the bacteria present

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-microbiology-of-reef-tank-cycling.214618/

Live Rock and dry Tropic Eden Sand.

 

[brandon429]

That link I put in will fix ya. If it's true live rock, it's ready day one. The sand will take on critical bacteria within 30 days regardless of if you add something or nothing, merely being in the presence of the live rock

Does your live rock have coralline

 

[Cscultho]

That link I put in will fix ya. If it's true live rock, it's ready day one. The sand will take on critical bacteria within 30 days regardless of if you add something or nothing, merely being in the presence of the live rock

Does your live rock have coralline

Yes there is some coraline algae on the LR. There is also a little bit of what i believe is HA on the rock as well. Im looking to pull or scrub it off the rock....

 

[Tokash23]

i would try dosing some ammonia like you were talking about just to be safe. if it tests 0 within 24 hours then your good to go

 

[IBroughtPopcorn]

I would buy SmartStart Complete and follow the directions. Fastest and cheap way to ensure you have completed the cycle. Look it up. A lot of great reviews and I personally know a handful of people that used it, including myself. My LFS uses it every time the set a new tank. They also add fish the same day. I personally did not add fish because I think it's a bit cruel, but MANY people do.