Cycle question

reefpeeper · Aug 15, 2013

I recently set up a new tank 7/29/13. When this was done I used 2 bags of live sand with 12 pounds of new live rock. I also added about 10+ pounds of rock I already had. My question is do u guys think the tank will take just as long to cycle as if I used all new rock? I havent tested parameters yet, but I am anixous to put my zoas in the tank. By the way it is a 34g rimless with 20g long sump. Thanx

reefpeeper · Aug 15, 2013

Anybody

justgotwet · Aug 15, 2013

I am just a noob myself but i do have a question. Your 10+ pounds of rock you allready had was it from another tank that is still running?

reefpeeper · Aug 15, 2013

justgotwet said:
I am just a noob myself but i do have a question. Your 10+ pounds of rock you allready had was it from another tank that is still running?

Yes

kes · Aug 15, 2013

'new' live rock may have some die offs, so keep an eye out on your parameters. good luck!

reefpeeper · Aug 15, 2013

Just tested ammonia. It reads 0ppm. After 2 1/2 weeks shouldn't it have went up.

NanaReefer · Aug 15, 2013

Have you tested for Nitrates also?

reefpeeper · Aug 15, 2013

Not yet. Im being lazy?

SeahorseKeeper · Aug 16, 2013

I would ghost feed the tank by feeding the tank a pinch of flake food in the morning and at night. Monitor the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate daily to see if there are any spikes. If you see a spike of ammonia or nitrite the tank is still cycling. I test daily when I am cycling so I can know where my levels stand and know when the ammonia spike occurs. If you do not see a spike after a week of ghost feeding, I feel that the tank would be ready for its first additions.

uscstaylor · Aug 16, 2013

I just finished Cycling my tank and I added 16lbs of live rock towards the end of the cycle, After the first week with the black rock cycles dropped after the second week they all read perfect zeros

uscstaylor · Aug 16, 2013

Sorry I meant to say,
I just finished Cycling my tank and I added 16lbs of live rock towards the end of the cycle, After the first week with the LIVE rock cycles dropped after the second week they all read perfect zeros.

glb · Aug 16, 2013

If the new live rock was cured I don't think it would make a difference between it and existing rock. If it is uncured, I think new rock would take longer because of the die off. It would also probably require a larger water change after due to more nitrates. Good luck!