Starting from scratch (kind of)

[droidus]

So I use to run a 32g tank, and had live rock/sand. Then it got disassembled and cleaned out. Now I would like to spin it back up again. I'd rather not purchase more/new live sand/rock, and was wondering what is the best way to get my tank going? Would these two products provide me with beneficial bacteria to get me going? If so, how long would I need to wait after applying?
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-bulk-biopellets.html
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/one-only-saltwater-live-nitrifying-bacteria-dr-tims.html

 

[Retro Reefer]

The doctor Tim’s is what you want to use.. to determine if your tank is cycled you will need to periodically add an ammonia source and keep testing until it quickly drops to zero.

 

[YankeeTankee]

You dont need the biopellets, yes use the Dr Tims and be sure the follow the directions! Good luck

 

[droidus]

The doctor Tim’s is what you want to use.. to determine if your tank is cycled you will need to periodically add an ammonia source and keep testing until it quickly drops to zero.

What is a good ammonia source? Would adding a cleanup crew, or just adding my fish work(clown fish, gobie, and pistol shrimp)?

 

[Retro Reefer]

What is a good ammonia source? Would adding a cleanup crew, or just adding my fish work(clown fish, gobie, and pistol shrimp)?

Any kind of pure Ammonium chloride will work, Dr.tim’s makes one intended for Aquariums.. you don’t want to use livestock to cycle your tank.

 

[Retro Reefer]

Here is some great information on cycling..

Cycling an Aquarium

Cycling a new aquarium. One of the earliest topics a new aquarium hobbyist needs to learn is how to properly cycle their aquarium. There is a ton of information on this process and many different methods on how to accomplish it. There are many different chemical and biological cycles our tank...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[droidus]

Any kind of pure Ammonium chloride will work, Dr.tim’s makes one intended for Aquariums.. you don’t want to use livestock to cycle your tank.

It looks like they also recommend ONE and ONLY. If one is ADDING ammonia, and the other is TAKING AWAY ammonia, doesn't it negate this?

 

[Retro Reefer]

It looks like they also recommend ONE and ONLY. If one is ADDING ammonia, and the other is TAKING AWAY ammonia, doesn't it negate this?

The one and only establishes beneficial bacteria in your rock which is your biological filtration.. the bacteria consume ammonia, the rate at which ammonia is consumed will give you an indication that your system is cycled.