Question about starting the tank cycle.

[planereefer]

Ok, so my live rock and sand came out of an existing tank. I rinsed everything in RODI water before putting everything into the tank. a few snails and a conch were present as well. I've added everything and now I think I'm ready to start my cycle.

I don't want to add too much so my question is should I add some flake food to start the cycle or let the snails and conch do their thing and eat whatever is left in the sand and on the rocks?

So far I have been unable to detect any amounts of ammonia, nitrites or nitrates using API tests. Temp/pH is 78.2/8.2 and SG is 1.0245. Granted today is officially day two of the tank running with sand and rocks.

If I do use fish food to start, is there a specific kind that is best to start with?

lane:

 

[_Alex_]

Sounds like your off to a good start, and your right about waiting it out. You could out a small pinch of flakes in or pellets. Will put food in there for crabs and snails as well as the good bacteria.

My biggest concern would be the used sand. Depending on how well your rinsed it you may get a small cycle from it. If in a week or 2 you still don't see any ammonia or nitrite, could probably add a small fish or 2 depending on size of your tank and amount of live rock.


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[planereefer]

Yeah, I'm definitely taking my time. I only added the snails and conch because they were given to me by the forum member I bought the rocks and sand off of. I am fully expecting a cycle and probably a full cycle at that and that's ok. I'm just curious at which point will I start to see the cycle start. I might pickup a small package of marine flake food just to give the snails and stuff something to eat...I'll continue to do daily testing. I'll probably do a 25% WC tomorrow.