Now what?

RoryJ · Mar 14, 2017

Ok, its a 110 FOWLR, as of now, I put in 40lbs of sand..20lbs live 20lbs dry..and so far 50lbs of dry rock. Can i start to cycle tank now or should I wait til I add more rock?..I know the rule of thumb is 1 to 2 lbs per gallon, so I will add more as I go or is that not a good idea and wait to cycle tank til after I add more rock?...I was planning on using some bottled bacteria and 1 piece of live rock to cycle..and suggestions or comments?..

CodyRVA · Mar 14, 2017

I would add your bottled bacteria and dose pure ammonia and get it started. I add dry rock to my established system frequently enough with no issues. You may see a small diatom bloom, but thats all. The 1-2 pounds per gallon is purely personal preference.

RoryJ · Mar 14, 2017

Ok, any specific pure ammonia in mind or recommended?

CodyRVA · Mar 14, 2017

RoryJ said:
Ok, any specific pure ammonia in mind or recommended?

Just make sure its pure... clear (no dyes) and doesn't foam when you shake it (detergents). I get mine from Ace Hardware, many places actually don't care pure so make sure it is.

RoryJ · Mar 14, 2017

ok thanks, i have an ace right by my house will try them...how much do you think i would put in tank..110?

CodyRVA · Mar 14, 2017

RoryJ said:
ok thanks, i have an ace right by my house will try them...how much do you think i would put in tank..110?

I think I did a cap full for every 10 gallons. It spiked my ammonia to like 8ppm which is very high, but it doesn't matter. The tank will start to cycle and work the ammonia into nitrite, nitrate. You probably won't need 11 cap fulls, but it won't hurt either.