Cycling without rock

[Sam22]

Hi all after some advice

I’ve just set up a new tank and have dr tims ammonia and one and only to cycle I’ve used a sand bed but it wasn’t live sand I have ordered a custom aquascape that won’t arrive for about 4 weeks i was wondering if I can still cycle with out the aqua scape or if I could add some marine pure or dry rock to the sump to substitute there being no rock in the display tank

thanks!!

 

[lapin]

Bacteria need a surface to grow on. Sand will provide some surface area, but may not support enough bacteria for a fish population. Rock or marine pure in the sump will add more surface area. It can work. It depends on amount of rock or marine pure and size of tank and the amount of fish. It will be a good way to jump start the bacteria until your rock aqua scape arrives.

 

[Sam22]

thanks! It’s a 300 little 70 gallon
it’s brand new set up so no fish just got temp right and salinity to 1.025 and it’s been running a week waiting for the dr Tim’s to arrive. So if I add some marine pure and rock to the sump this should in theory allow enough surface area to cycle.

thanks again

 

[lapin]

Yes .
When you add the new scape the bacteria you have will colonize the new rock work.

Oh and Howdy , welcome and all that stuff