New tank, water change questions

[ReeferBill]

So set up my tank last night. Used some established rock, some rock from a tank that was taken down 2 weeks ago. So pretty much dead, and sand(live but we know). Anyway. Do you recommend weekly normal water changes while it cycles or just leave it alone to do its thing?

 

[Jekyl]

The 2 week old rock, was it thoroughly cleaned using the bleach, rinse, vinegar, rinse type method? If not have you tested parameters? Die off could lead to a spike.

 

[ReeferBill]

It was not. I don’t like the thought of bleaching rock. I rinsed, scrubbed with bristle brush and let it cook in a tote for a week in saltwater.

 

[ReeferBill]

Im sure it’s going to spike as it cycles since it wasn’t much liverock.

 

[Jekyl]

Nitrate will dictate water changes until coral are added. Then the rest of the relevant parameters come into play.

Edit. Or ammonia in your case.

 

[Spare time]

Make sure to watch the phosphate during this since you used dead rock

 

[Jekyl]

Make sure to watch the phosphate during this since you used dead rock

+1 missed that typing too quickly

 

[ReeferBill]

should I use my old water change water from my 60 gallon to jump start the bacteria in the new tank?

 

[Jekyl]

should I use my old water change water from my 60 gallon to jump start the bacteria in the new tank?

No.

 

[ReeferBill]

Why not?

 

[ReeferBill]

Just curious.

 

[ReeferBill]

It’s not dirty water, just clean used water. I don’t siphon.

 

[ReeferBill]

Also how long would you guess before I should put crabs or snails in?