New Tank Advice Please

[Jay147121]

Hello,

I have read the relevant articles but still a bit confused on this one. I have bought a second hand tank. Its a Aquareef 195.

I wanted to start as fresh as possible so its had all new filters and sponges/impellers etc and is pretty much almost as new.

The rock I had to buy second hand. It was rock in an established marine aquarium. No nasties or other things but has been out of the water now for a good 6 months so dried out now. Nothing on the rock as far as I can see.

Time isn't an issue so I want to know the best way to start the cycle. Substrate(sand) is already in as are the rocks and water. In the sump is agrogrog currently.

Whats going to be the best way to start the cycle here, as I said plenty of time so can wait, is dropping a shrimp in the way to go or to add amonia? Have I missed anything.

Currently plans for the tank are fowlr.

Thank you for any help.

 

[Reeferdood]

First off.....

There are several ways to start up a system. Personally, I use bacteria in a bottle like bio spira and I have never had a problem. Some reefers like doing ammonia or shrimp or even using sacrificial fish like damsels. It is all a matter of choice.

 

[ihavecrabs]

Welcome to R2R! #WelcometoR2R

Many people opt to cure the rock first to get rid of all the organics hiding out in the rock. People often use this opportunity to test for phosphates as well if they are taking on coral (LPS/SPS) and want to head it off early.

Once the rock cure is done, people move on to cycle the rock. This can be done inside or outside of the tank and its main purpose is to establish a nitrifying bacteria colony. Many off the shelf products like Dr Tims One and Only are a good place to start looking.

Dead shrimp or ammonium chloride are both fine options. Shrimp takes a little longer as it needs to decompose to begin releasing ammonia. I personally did ammonium chloride since I could control the exact amount I was dosing and track how long it took to get from 1ppm to 0ppm.

Good luck on your new build and again, welcome!

 

[Jay147121]

Thank you both, appreciate the welcome

I wasn't sure with the rock as it had already been used, I don't really have a spare tank or anything and the substrate is already in the tank. And after draining the tank last time I am not doing that again for a while lol.

I appreciate the advice. I am sure I will be back with more questions in the future

 

[Reeferdood]

Thank you both, appreciate the welcome

I wasn't sure with the rock as it had already been used, I don't really have a spare tank or anything and the substrate is already in the tank. And after draining the tank last time I am not doing that again for a while lol.

I appreciate the advice. I am sure I will be back with more questions in the future

Even though the rock was live before not it has dead organics on it. So it will leach when you begin to cycle all over again as if it was dried BRS rock just like ihavecrabs mentioned.

 

[LouisianaReef]

For curing rock, a trash can with a lid, heater and power head is common. You could do it inside the tank that you have setup, just be sure to keep an eye on the cycle and ensure that the levels are reading near zero before you start adding livestock.