Successful advice on how to start a fishless nitrogen cycle

viviana · Jan 31, 2017

My 30 gallon tank with live rock is a week old...

Went to a chain store fish store and one worker told me that what I'm doing is not going to work cycling with live rock and when I add my fish, it'll die.
He proceeded to inform me to add 2 clown fish to start my cycle...I definitely raised an eyebrow.

So those who completed a fishless nitrogen cycle...any advice and tips? products that helped? time frame? test strips that you used to keep track?

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 31, 2017

Wow. I don't know where to start with how wrong that guy is.
This is probably the best info there is.
http://www.drtimsaquatics.com/resources/fishless-cycling
You'll need a basic test kit. A strip will work but an API kit is the best least expensive and more effective in the long run. A good starter kit.
But. If the rock is already live. It's already cycling. It's weak probably depending on how long the Rock has been in water but it's probably def cycling.

Merck · Feb 1, 2017

Find a local saltwater fish store that sales RODI water, watch some MR saltwater fish youtube. Enjoy the hobby it takes a little time but its worth it.

Shaddow_wolf169 · Feb 1, 2017

Throw a shrimp in your tank for 5 days then take it out. Check your amon on the 4th day and nitrite

viviana · Feb 1, 2017

its okay to do this with a snail i have in my tank that was a hitch hiker?

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 1, 2017

If you started with live rock and live sand, The tank is cycling already. You don't need to add bacteria or a shrimp,the rotting shrimp develops and feeds the bacteria in a dry dead rock tank.
Here are some very good articles on starting a reef tank.
http://www.melevsreef.com/node/1983
http://melevsreef.com/tanks.html
http://melevsreef.com/cycle (shrimp method) you wont need that, but the article gives some basics on testing water.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/
http://www.seahorse.org/library/articles/cycling.shtml ways to cycle a tank, including a how to on using live rock.

PatW · Feb 1, 2017

The LFS around here carries bottled ammonia that can be added to a tank. It is A more precise way of adding ammonia than pitching in a raw shrimp. I am sure that a dead shrimp will work just fine but it is a rather imprecise method of dosing nitrogen. There are also a number of bacteria additives that will accelerate the establishment of the necessary bacteria in your tank. Dr. Tims is one of the highest regarded.

Rick.45cal · Feb 1, 2017

You can make a solution of Ammonium Chloride and dose it. Fritz is an aquarium company that sells it. (You can also get it from a livestock feed store, for feeding to cattle and goats to prevent bladder stones). You can order it from amazon. That is a sure fire way to make sure there is ammonia available and an ample amount so when you put your first fish in there they will be ok.

There are many ways to get the cycle started (don't pee in the tank though, humans produce uric acid and not ammonia in their urine). So don't feel one way or the other is better, pick the one that you are most comfortable with and go with it.

I agree with @saltyfilmfolks with live rock you already have the cycle started. Now you just need to make sure that your bacteria colonies are big enough to process what will be required of them once higher order organisms are introduced. (Be patient, test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate and watch the tank cycle). Once you know the bacteria are doing their job, introduce your first fish. Pick fish that aren't aggressive or territorial to begin with. You will have less problems introducing tank mates as the tank matures.

Oh and ask plenty of questions!