DrTim's Waste-Away & MicroBacter Clean to Cycle : Question about Dosing

esther · Nov 24, 2019

So, we have two 32g Brute containers to cycle our rock. We both products mentioned in title. My question is, how much do we use for cycling? There aren't directions for cycling, just when using once you have your tank set up. Can I just throw one bottle in each of the containers and call it a day if we're going to cycle for 8 weeks? Thanks in advance!

ReefChef19 · Nov 24, 2019

I believe that bacteria is good bacteria, the same as bio spira which I used. If that is the case, you will still need to feed it with bad such as ammonia or ghost feeding to activate it. Check out this link it may help a bit. One thing I do regret is not cycling my rock prior to the build. Im now going things an ugly stage, which doesn't really bother me like some others!

Starting with dry rock

So I've started a 32 gallon biocube and have sand, dry rock(No dead material), and water. How should I start the cycle? I know I need an ammonia source before I can add my bottle of bacteria to feed on the ammonia. But what's best way to get it all goin. All I got now is wet rocks. Please help

www.reef2reef.com

esther · Nov 24, 2019

Two questions:

Can I just pour the whole bottle in the brute can?
Can I just throw a piece of fish in once a week?

ReefChef19 · Nov 24, 2019

In my honest opinion I don't think it would hurt, but make sure to test your parameters at least once a week. I feel you would have a more controlled environment if you used the dr. Tim's ammonia though, it would pretty much take the guess work out of it.

Idoc · Nov 24, 2019

Those 2 products are typically for cleaning out systems already up and running, I believe. If you are looking to cycle your rock that is brand new, then something like Microbacter7, BioSpira, Dr Tims One and Only, ATM Colony, etc... are typically used to create your nitrifying bacterial population.

Now if there's a bunch of debri in the dry rock, then the waste away will help break it down quickly.

Maybe you can use those 2 products to cycle rock, but I haven't heard of it occurring.

esther · Nov 24, 2019

Idoc said:
Those 2 products are typically for cleaning out systems already up and running, I believe. If you are looking to cycle your rock that is brand new, then something like Microbacter7, BioSpira, Dr Tims One and Only, ATM Colony, etc... are typically used to create your nitrifying bacterial population.

Now if there's a bunch of debri in the dry rock, then the waste away will help break it down quickly.

Maybe you can use those 2 products to cycle rock, but I haven't heard of it occurring.

BRS suggests these two products for an aggressive cure. We bought dry rock that had a bunch of crap in it. We may just add some every week and test weekly and see what happens. Good news is our tank won’t be here until January.

Idoc · Nov 24, 2019

esther said:
BRS suggests these two products for an aggressive cure. We bought dry rock that had a bunch of crap in it. We may just add some every week and test weekly and see what happens. Good news is our tank won’t be here until January.

Oh, gotcha! Dirty rock with a lot of debri. I had the same problem with Pukani rock that was full of debri. You're not so much trying to cycle the rock to build a nitrifying bacterial colony, but rather just trying to clean the rock. I haven't used those products for that purpose, so not sure what is recommended. Maybe just follow the directions on the bottle and start from there... you can always add more... and if it is really dirty, you'll be doing big water changes.

My rock was so dirty, I cured it in freshwater and didn't worry about cycling it. Once the organics started breaking down, I was doing 100% water changes daily for about a week to get rid of the disgusting stuff in the water.

esther · Nov 24, 2019

Idoc said:
Oh, gotcha! Dirty rock with a lot of debri. I had the same problem with Pukani rock that was full of debri. You're not so much trying to cycle the rock to build a nitrifying bacterial colony, but rather just trying to clean the rock. I haven't used those products for that purpose, so not sure what is recommended. Maybe just follow the directions on the bottle and start from there... you can always add more... and if it is really dirty, you'll be doing big water changes.

My rock was so dirty, I cured it in freshwater and didn't worry about cycling it. Once the organics started breaking down, I was doing 100% water changes daily for about a week to get rid of the disgusting stuff in the water.

Thanks!!