New at this

cnoffs · Jan 30, 2014

I've had my 36 fish and rock only running for 4 days. This is my first. Any suggestions to make the cycle go well?

mike007 · Jan 30, 2014

Welcome just be patient and keep testing. Have you added a bacterial addivtive?

JLight · Jan 30, 2014

Well putting the fish in there so early is gonna make it tough because the ammonia spike will probably kill them. Should have set it up with the rock only and added a table shrimp to let it cycle. Most people say at least a month before adding fish. How many you got in there?

cnoffs · Jan 30, 2014

I don't have any fish yet. Waiting for cycle to complete

cnoffs · Jan 30, 2014

No I haven't. What exactly do I add?

cnoffs · Jan 30, 2014

It is set up with rock only

revhtree · Jan 30, 2014

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Gadsby15 · Jan 30, 2014

Do have live rock? This should kick start the cycle, however like said above, chuck a deli fresh raw shrimp in a mesh bag and leave in tank till you see an ammonia spike

Mike J. · Jan 30, 2014

Welcome aboard. The Mature Aquarium

JLight · Jan 30, 2014

cnoffs said:
No I haven't. What exactly do I add?

I used Dr. Tims one and only bacteria in my 75 and loved it. That along with the shrimp would put your tank in the right direction fast. But like most people on here say taking your time is the the best bet. I'd add the shrimp and let it go for a month. Testing once or twice a week.

cnoffs · Jan 30, 2014

Yes. I have about 40 pounds of live rock.

cnoffs · Jan 30, 2014

I will get a shrimp tomorrow. Thanks

Reefing Madness · Jan 30, 2014

How to set up a saltwater reef aquarium tank- REEFEDITION

cnoffs · Jan 31, 2014

I'm having a hard time with the shrimp idea. I'm afraid it will turn my tank into a cesspool !

Reefing Madness · Jan 31, 2014

No, no, not all all. Make sure you put in a shrimp thats comprable to your tank size, meaning don't put in a jumbo shrimp if you have a 20g tank. Medium size shrimp will get the job done for you, and will get your bacteria count up really well. Make sure you put the shrimp in a net, and lay the net in the water, this keeps it from getting all over the place when it starts to fall apart.

JLight · Jan 31, 2014

cnoffs said:
I'm having a hard time with the shrimp idea. I'm afraid it will turn my tank into a cesspool !

If you don't want to use shrimp Dr. Tims sells ammonia that you can use. It's pure ammonia and they can tell you how much to add. Less smell and not as dirty.

cnoffs · Feb 5, 2014

Ok. I've found out my live rock really isn't live. I'm getting a small piece of live to jump start tank. My sand isn't live either. I've just ordered dr Tim's bacteria solution. I think I'll see some changes now.

WhoKnew · Feb 5, 2014

I agree with Reefing Madness. That was the same information he gave me. It gave me step by step instructions on just what to do. Read, read, read and be patient.