Dry rock cycle

[My little ocean]

I have never cycled a tank with dry rock, always used live or seeded from another tank. I filled the tank and have the salinity set, no lights, no fish so far just the live sand and the dry rock. Do I start the microbacter7 before I add any fish? If so how long should I wait? Been about 15 years since I started a new tank so all help is appreciated.

 

[DC Reefer]

I would add the M7 and then check your ammonia levels. You can dose ammonia (I use Dr Tims) and once it gets to 0 w/in 24 hours of dosing it is safe for fish. I would start with a single fish and then add more after the tank has a chance to stabilize. I would also check ammonia after adding the fish for a few days to make sure the bacteria is sufficient to handle the load.

I have done live rock tanks as well as dry rock tanks. For dry rock I have always had better success taking it slow and doing a longer cycle before any fish (4 weeks +)

Let us know how it goes.

 

[P-Dub]

Welcome!!! Head on over to the Meet & Greet Forum and introduce yourself!

Here are some useful stickies to read up on and very helpful to get you going properly and ensure success.
Cycling an Aquarium
The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

 

[My little ocean]

Thanks guys, my whole plan is slow. I was planning on about 4 weeks before fish but was concerned about the b7. But if I dose the tims as well it seems that will take care of my concerns.