Cycling a new tank

[Garyf7257]

hi guys. I'm starting to set up a 55 gallon saltwater tank. I bought the instant ocean nitrifying bacteria. When I add that do I have to add something to cause ammonia like a piece of raw shrimp or fish food? Or will the bacteria do what it has to do without it? I've read online that people have added the bacteria and there was no ammonia spike so I'm not sure what to do. I don't trust adding fish right away after that either I plan on letting it cycle for at least a month before I add any fish. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Mr. Bill]

Yes, the bacteria will need ammonia to feed on. Did you add any live rock and/or sand, or all dry?

 

[KJ]

hi guys. I'm starting to set up a 55 gallon saltwater tank. I bought the instant ocean nitrifying bacteria. When I add that do I have to add something to cause ammonia like a piece of raw shrimp or fish food? Or will the bacteria do what it has to do without it? I've read online that people have added the bacteria and there was no ammonia spike so I'm not sure what to do. I don't trust adding fish right away after that either I plan on letting it cycle for at least a month before I add any fish. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[Garyf7257]

I will be using live sand. The rock is just base rock from natures ocean.

 

[Mr. Bill]

I will be using live sand. The rock is just base rock from natures ocean.

With live sand and the addition of bio-spira, one can expect a shorter soft-cycle. But again, yes- add a shrimp and monitor your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.

 

[Garyf7257]

With live sand and the addition of bio-spira, one can expect a shorter soft-cycle. But again, yes- add a shrimp and monitor your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.

Now once I see a sign of ammonia present in the tank do I pull the shrimp out immediately or keep it in the tank?

 

[Mr. Bill]

Now once I see a sign of ammonia present in the tank do I pull the shrimp out immediately or keep it in the tank?

It's personal preference, really. I leave it in and let the CuC take care of it once I add them. If you remove it, you can ghost-feed until you get some livestock.

 

[chevegan]

Pure ammonia keep tank at 2ppm ammonia. When your tank goes from 2ppm dose to 0 ammonia and nitrite you are set. Do a big water change to lower nitrates and viola. I did my tank in 8 days

Oh and keep dosing that ammonia until you get livestock in there, the bacteria need it to stay alive

 

[FlyinBryan]

Be sure to not touch your tank for a month! Trust me it's real important to leave it alone!