Cycling base rock with filter media?

[Fisker]

Hello!

So, I've got my little 20 long set up with my macros in it, and am now looking at making some rock I nuked presentable and usable in this tank. That'll take some time, but I was wondering if I put some cycled filter media into the bucket with the rock if that'll help kick off the cycle. I'm currently relying mostly on filter sponge to keep my tank cycled (the rock that's in there is pretty dense), and while I'm cool with that, it's not ideal.

So, if I add saltwater, rock, and that media to the bucket, will it reduce the time that it takes for a bacterial colony to grow?

 

[Ron Reefman]

It will certainly start the cycle, but how fast it grows and how well it grows depends on what you keep it fed with. It's not a one time, develop a colony and you're done concept. To keep the proper bacteria alive, they have to be fed regularly. In most tanks that's done by rotting old fish food or fish poop that turns to ammonia. Setting the filter media in with dead rock will help get it started, but that's about all it will do.

 

[Fisker]

Yeah, I'd probably try and keep ammonia between 2-4 PPM with pure liquid ammonia. Just wanted to know if it'd be quicker than a "Dead" start.

Thanks!

 

[Ron Reefman]

Yes it will and adding 'pure' ammonia works well too, just be careful.