Ready to cycle?

[Drew52]

Hello everyone

As I have previously posted, I’m getting ready to start the cycling process of my 29 biocube tank this weekend. I have done MUCH research over the past few weeks (maybe too much) trying to learn the dos and don’ts but still have a few questions that I’d like to get everyone’s opinion on….

I am purchasing fully cured (supposedly) Pukami rock (20 pounds since I’ve read it yields much more rock than others due to its very light weight) from my LFS, it is in a large tank with water so I assume its really not classified as “dry†rock. I’ll also be using “live†sand. Do I still need to introduce any type of ammonia to the process? If so what is the best thing to use? I’ve read pure ammonia from a bottle, a piece of raw shrimp in pantyhose, ghost feeding, etc.

I won’t be using any type of filter media other than some poly filter floss (as recommended on the forum). What should my heater be set at as far as temperature during the cycle?

I’ve also purchased a Tunze protein skimmer and a Tunze osmolator. I’ve been told that I should run the skimmer just to break it in. Should I also run the ATO during this time as well?

I would certainly appreciate any input to my questions, I know there are a lot of knowledgeable folks in the community that can help guide me through so I’m doing this the “right way†to ensure the correct and most effective cycling process. Thanks in advance for your time…

 

[bearjohnson]

Yes you will need to introduce an ammonia source. A raw deli shrimp is fine.

Just bring your tank up to whatever you plan on keeping the temperature at. (76-83 degrees Fahrenheit)

If it were me, I'd make sure all systems are a go. Set up everything and get the kinks out.

Hope this helps!

 

[Reefing Madness]

If the rock is truly fully cured, then within a weeks time frame you will be ready for fish. This has all the bacteria needed to sustain life in your tank. At this point I'd say run what you brung, set it all up, break it all in, get it where you want it, your one of the lucky ones that bought cured rock, your close to being set to go.
Try not to let the temp go above 80 though, a good temp is 76-79

 

[Tahoe61]

I would ghost feed the tank and test daily to make sure the rock can complete the nitrogen cycle adequately. If you introduce fish food or decaying organic matter and you do not see an ammonia spike within 48 hours I would then proceed with a cuc only after your test kits show 0 values for ammonia and nitrites. Always stock slowly and try not to over feed. Always have fresh SW on hand during the first couple months in case you need to preform a water change.

 

[Drew52]

Thanks...love your handle by the way...is there any way to actually know if the rock is fully cured? As I mentioned, the rock is submerged in a large tank with water at the store, when viewing it, the guy pulled out a piece and had me smell the actual rock itself, it didn't stink, smelled like the actual ocean. It is also very expensive....good signs?

 

[SloppyJ]

There's really no way to tell if it's fully cured or not. I would put it in the tank and ghost feed. Set up all of your equipment so you can get used to how it works with your tank. You're going to need to use test kits to test for ammonia and nitrate.

 

[Tahoe61]

Thanks...love your handle by the way...is there any way to actually know if the rock is fully cured? As I mentioned, the rock is submerged in a large tank with water at the store, when viewing it, the guy pulled out a piece and had me smell the actual rock itself, it didn't stink, smelled like the actual ocean. It is also very expensive....good signs?

If it does not stink like low tide at the ocean the rock is probably fully cured. Sounds like it will be fine. The rock needs to stay moist, introduce it to the system after the temp is within the right range and the salt has had time to fully mix if your mixing the salt in the tank initially. If your using already mixed salt just make sure it's to temp. Also make sure the rock has no aiptasia, nuisance algae, or other pest anemones.

 

[SloppyJ]

Something to add. If you're patient, you could buy dry rock and let it cycle in your tank. You will have to wait longer but it will cost less and eliminate the risk of introducing pests through the live rock.

 

[Drew52]

Thanks to everyone for their input...much appreciated....

One more question...I came upon another LFS this morning (about 30 miles from my home), a store that is very highly rated in the Pittsburgh & surrounding area who supposed to carry primo "live" rock at a very resonable price (cheaper than the Pukami rock I had mentioned earlier). Since I'm a newbie at all of this, and after reading about all of the "bad" critters and such when dealing with actual live rock, is it really an issue I should be concerned about if I decided to go with actual "live" rock in the tank. I understand that the probabilty exists with the bad stuff, but on the other hand, doesn't all the cool "good" critters and such outweigh the bad ones, especially if I'm dealing with a very reputable dealer? Although I certainly don't want to rush things, I do have the patience, but wouldn't the actual live rock also speed up the cycling process as well?

 

[SudzFD]

Thanks...love your handle by the way...is there any way to actually know if the rock is fully cured? As I mentioned, the rock is submerged in a large tank with water at the store, when viewing it, the guy pulled out a piece and had me smell the actual rock itself, it didn't stink, smelled like the actual ocean. It is also very expensive....good signs?

Whether it is fully cured or not should not really matter in the long run. It is live rock and it will be covered in bacteria. Curing simply means anything that was going to die on it has died. Most likely some things will die between the shop and your tank and in the early process, its just natural, that should be fine for an ammonia source, but a single ghost feeding followed by zero nitrite and ammonia would confirm that you have the bacteria necessary to break down wastes. Just stock slow and test daily for the first few weeks.

Dont over think it too much at this stage and enjoy getting some life in the tank!

I would also get everything up and running at the temp you want. Get the lights on and cycling and the skimmers, filters, heater, everything. That will help you get all of that perfect before fish get in the tank.