Do I need to add bacteria?

[PorterK]

Hi everyone! It's been 2 weeks since I first setup my salt water aquarium. I bought live sand and live rock. It seems like my cycle is potentially mid swing? Ammonia is between 0.5 and 1 ppm, nitrite is also between 0.5 and 1 ppm while nitrate is also between 0.5 and 1 ppm.

I first added tap water, but quickly drained 70% of the water and refilled with RO/DI water (a few days later). I just want to be sure that I didn't do something there that removed/changed the beneficial bacteria in my live rock and live sand. The tank has 60lbs of live sand, 5lbs of live rock, 35 lbs of dry rock.

I am going to the fish store this Sunday and I'm unsure whether or not to buy a bottle of the bacteria.

I also want to try to add snails/hermits this weekend, is it too early for that? Just want to add 5-10 (to my 55gal aquarium). I wont be adding fish until the end of June because I'll be on vacation for a week there and want to be home when I add the fish to monitor.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Jesterrace]

As long as you have a source of ammonia and some live rock in there you shouldn't need it.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

No, you don’t “have to”.
The cycle in your tank is progressing, so there are bacteria present.

 

[PorterK]

Ok thanks guys. What about the other thing? Is it too early to add a small but noble cuc? or should I wait for the cycle to be completely done.

Also should I keep the light off during this period? Have seen mixed things around the internet on that topic.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I’m guessing there nothing growing in the tank yet. So no prob don’t need to add any.

You don’t “need “ Light, my preference is to have some on.
A you can dial in the intensity on Led and the color (and have something to do while you wait ), and if there are diatoms and such that will bloom , Id rather they bloom when the tank is empty and you can see them and Clean em or get a cuc going when the ammoina drops enough