Proper way to add nitrifying bacteria

[tah532]

I am starting a new 20g nano with dry rock. I bought some Fritz 9 and a 10lbs bag of live sand to add. How do I go about this process? I've heard that once the seed bacteria is added, that I should add a fish right away to help keep the cycle going. Is this true? I will be adding pods to this tank as well...should I add pods and phyto right after the Fritz 9 to help keep the cycle going? Or should I go the fish route, then pods and phyto later?

 

[jpcrash1]

I am not a fan using fish to cycle tank (kinda cruel). Buy a piece of shrimp and throw it in to raise ammonia and start your cycle. Once your done add fish and pods.

 

[saltyhog]

I would just add some ammonia from the hardware store or this https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/ammonium-chloride-for-fishless-cycles-dr-tim-s.html

Ammonia is ammonia, why introduce the smell/cloudy water and mess. This has worked well for me in the past.

Don't add anything living to the tank until the tank is completely cycled.

 

[saltyhog]

This might help. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Scroll down to the part about cycling tanks! Good luck, welcome to the most addictive hobby in the world!

 

[Instigate]

I used this ammonia to cycle my tanks. Just add some bacteria, I prefer Bio-Spira or Dr.Tims, and the ammonia. When I used this product to cycle my tanks it came out to about 3ML per 10 gallons I think it was. Add a small measurable amount then wait 15-20 minutes for it to mix up and then test to see where you're at. Most people aim for about 2ppm ammonia. Once you see you're at 2ppm then wait 24 hours and test. Once your tank is able to process 2ppm ammonia in 24 hours repeatedly then it's safe for fish. I like to see the tank process the 2ppm in 24 hours at least 2 times before I consider it safe for a fish. Also, nitrite at the levels found in aquariums are not a concern for marine fish. So I wouldn't even bother with testing for nitrite unless you want to continually track it to see where in the cycle you are. But if it can process the ammonia then it's safe for a fish.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TSJPAJA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1