Cycling rock in a barrel

[Falcar]

I've been cycling some dry rock in a barrel, but I won't need it now for a few months extra. Can I keep it "alive" by feeding ammonia and/or table shrimp?

What should I watch for?

 

[EmdeReef]

I would keep a pump in and just let it cycle. You can occasionally drop a pinch of food, the bacteria will survive for a while once established. If it’s dry rock that hasn’t been previously used then nothing really to worry about, if used then watch phosphates.