Cycling new tank : Dead shrimp method

Kayzah · May 3, 2016

Hi everyone

I own a 73gal (275l) tank, a REEFER 350, I filled it with water on friday, 22th of april (Day 0).
I only got dry rock et dry sand, so I'm using the dead shrimp method to trigger de nitrogen cycle.

day 2 : I added the dead shrimp.

day 6 : I tested my nitrite, 0.5 ppm

day 8 : Nitrite test = between 0.5 et 1 ppm

day 11 (today) : Nitrite test = between 2 et 4 ppm

The dead shrimp is still decaying so I was wondering when Am I supposed to remove it from the tank ? Or should I let it to decay further more to produce more ammonia until the nitrite spike ?

I've also bought some bacteria in a bottle (BACNET, maybe you don't know that brand because I'm buying from France), but I did not use it yet. When should I add a little to the tank ?

Thank you in advance.

Waters · May 3, 2016

I recommend, when using shrimp, to put them in a mesh bag. When it comes time to remove them, you can remove it in one piece. I have always kept them in until they really start to decompose. You are going to want a constant supply of ammonia (regardless of where it comes from) until you finally add your fish. If you remove all sources of ammonia at this point, you could/will stall your cycle.

Kayzah · May 3, 2016

thank you for the advice with the mesh bag.

Ok so I can let it in there until I start to add livestock ?

Waters · May 3, 2016

I would leave it in there as long as it doesn't start to smell horribly......then you can just replace it with another.

brandon429 · May 3, 2016

edited

vic67 · May 3, 2016

Did you use a raw shrimp? In the pic it looks like one that has been cooked. Anyway, I usually remove the shrimp after the ammonia spike.

Kayzah · May 3, 2016

Yes, I did use a raw shrimp.

With what test do you test ammonia ? Salifert ?

vic67 · May 3, 2016

Kayzah said:
Yes, I did use a raw shrimp.

With what test do you test ammonia ? Salifert ?

I use API.

rock_lobster · May 3, 2016

You can leave it in or take it out doesnt really matter the longer its in, the more robust your bacterial load will become. Just make sure ammonia/nitrite is zero before adding your lifestock. I like to add some chaeto before fish to knock the nitrates to zero while the tank is still acclimating.

rayn · May 3, 2016

I leave mine till they have a large skim around them, almost like a golf ball. Then pull them out. Ammonia should be registering by then. Then let cycle do its thing.