Cycling question

[DalPal25]

Hey everybody, I just got my tank two days ago, I put the live sand and premixed saltwater in from my LFS on the first day and then went back to get the live rock yesterday on day 2. I've read that the live rock being in there will cycle the tank, correct? How should I know when it's started cycling? and how should I know when it's finished? I know patience is key but is there any way to kickstart the process or make it happen faster without using any fish because I find that cruel. Thanks for all the help!

 

[CodyRVA]

The live rock helps by introducing live bacteria which will help colonize more bacteria, in turn this is what cycling really is. It should still go through a "mini" cycle. You can add a bottle of bacteria to help move the process along faster, but as stated, patience is always essential. Most prefer dr. Tims or Instant Ocean. You can either add a pure ammonia source or small amounts of fish food/shrimp method to initiate the cycle. Testing for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate will be your indicator to track the progress. Introducing an ammonia source will spike your ammonia levels, it will fall, nitrite will rise, then fall, and finally nitrate will rise. After this happens you'll want to do a large water change to remove any excessive nitrates and you will be cycled.