Which way to go to cycle tank

[oldfishman]

I am finally ready to cycle my 30 gal tank. I have dry sand, which I have rinsed, and reef saver rock. So what is the best of these two options 1. go with the shrimp in a mesh bag or 2. go with Dr Tim's to start cycle. Which will give me my best start. I have a JBJ 30 gal tank.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Either is pretty fun and both work.
I’ve seen no evidence that either is “best”.

 

[Jesterrace]

The advantage to doctor tims is that it is easier to regulate the dose rather than leaving a piece of shrimp to rot.

 

[Pet Detective]

I vote for the natural way, some would say skip the shrimp and add pure ammonia to jump start the cycle, I'm not brave enough to have attempted this, although it makes perfect sense chemistry wise, I fear that something else might have been added to the ammonia...hence not pure....old dog, no new tricks for me.

Good luck & happy reefing to you.

 

[NinnJinn]

I am about to start this journey/process as well. will be following.

 

[Jesterrace]

I vote for the natural way, some would say skip the shrimp and add pure ammonia to jump start the cycle, I'm not brave enough to have attempted this, although it makes perfect sense chemistry wise, I fear that something else might have been added to the ammonia...hence not pure....old dog, no new tricks for me.

Good luck & happy reefing to you.

No arguments there, both of my cycles were natural. The first was by accident with overfeeding frozen spirulina formula (It was my first tank and I thought it had cycled already) and the second was from a few feedings of frozen reef frenzy (which was done on purpose). It took a while for the latter but it eventually did cycle.

 

[mcarroll]

I'm with @Pet Detective and @Jesterrace I pick neither.

Natural method = wait and let time do it. Works great. Price is right.

When you add livestock, IMO start with a small, healthy coral – something tolerant and fast-growing like orange/red Monti. cap. Ideally one that's on a piece of rock vs just solo or on a frag mount – but whatever.

A new coral plus a small amount of CUC might be the best way to seed a tank like this.

Be prepared for things to mature at a VERY slow rate no matter what you do though....

Don't try to force things by adding a lot of livestock all at once either....only add things (e.g. fish) 1-2 at a time whenever possible, no more....wait/observe at least a month or so before adding anything else new.