Cycling New Tank

[bbailey]

Hello. I am just beginning to cycle a new tank (my first) and wanted some input. I have a 100gal with wet dry filter setup beneath. No protein skimmer yet. So far I have live sand and about 35 pounds of live rock. Instead of adding damsels I am going to put a couple raw shrimp into the drain box. Has anyone used shrimp to cycle and have any suggestion on how to guage when ammonia/nitrite levels are right? I expect the whole process will take 4-6 weeks but wanted some input on what to expect. thank you

[myjohnson]

Hello. I am just beginning to cycle a new tank (my first) and wanted some input.

Welcome to the forum BB! SW is addictive.

I have a 100gal with wet dry filter setup beneath. No protein skimmer yet. So far I have live sand and about 35 pounds of live rock.

Did you buy the actual wet sand and live rock or was everything dry? If, dried then it takes about a month. I cycled with no fish and just fish food once. True SD/LR will make it faster. But there is always some die off from the transfer.

Instead of adding damsels I am going to put a couple raw shrimp into the drain box. Has anyone used shrimp to cycle and have any suggestion on how to guage when ammonia/nitrite levels are right?

Best way to do it is to get a test kit. All you really need is the nitrate test kit. Once it shows up your cycle is mostly done.

I expect the whole process will take 4-6 weeks but wanted some input on what to expect. thank you

Sounds about right. Waiting is the hardest part!

Can't rush a reef tank.

[bbailey]

Thanks - I am just getting started, have no fish or coral but am already enjoying it. I purchased the wet live sand and cycled live rock and it has been running with that for about a week. I have been reading quite a lot over the past 24 hours and think I have a general handle on the basic process of Amonnia, then Nitrites and finally Nitrates. Regarding the test kit - any advise on the strips vs. the liquid test kits - as usual I get mixed info on if the strips are accurate enough for monitoring everything. Thanks again - enjoy the Houston Fish Box.

[myjohnson]

Thanks - I am just getting started, have no fish or coral but am already enjoying it. I purchased the wet live sand and cycled live rock and it has been running with that for about a week.

Cool! This can cut your cycle time by half.

I have been reading quite a lot over the past 24 hours and think I have a general handle on the basic process of Amonnia, then Nitrites and finally Nitrates.

IMHO, that's the best thing you can do while reefing. Take your time and ready.

Regarding the test kit - any advise on the strips vs. the liquid test kits - as usual I get mixed info on if the strips are accurate enough for monitoring everything. Thanks again - enjoy the Houston Fish Box.

I would never use the strips, NEVER. Can't trust them.

I use all API or Elos liquid test kit products. Balance between cost and accuracy is good.

If you like spending money like water then the electronic meter's with probe is going to be very accurate and cost the most.

[soymilk]

i bought the test strips... they suck lol.

I use it every now and then when im lazy. I still do my liquid tests, but for a quick reference i'll do the test strips for something fast. but really im just using them to use them. If you haven't bought them yet, dont. its a waste.

are you doing a reef or fish only?

[Suelovesfish]

I have had good luck with Seachem's "Stability". First tank of Troph's I set up a few years ago used Stability and the next day a colony of 30 Troph arrived. Never lost one fish!!!!!

Marine life may be something different, but it certainly will not hurt. The stuff is amazing.

[soymilk]

I wouldnt rush it. Stability might work, but rather be safe than sorry. If it was fish only then maybe, but certain corals are very sensitive to ammonia and nitrites.

The faster you go in reefing, the harder you crash.

[myjohnson]

+1!

Reefs don't develop over night.

I would let natural cycle takes its place.

He got LR and LS and it should almost be done anymore.

[bbailey]

Thanks all - so far so good - appreciate the advise.

[nacra99]

Personally, i wouldn't use the raw shrimp, especially with that few live rock.
I would load up on live rock and let the live rock do the cycling for me.
35lbs for a 100 gal seems too little for me.
At a minimum of 1 lb per gal, you should have plus or minus 100 lbs of rock.
With that much rock, you'll have more little pooping critters in there to be able to eat the other dead and dying critters, which will produce ammonia for cycling. Not to mention more rock means LOTS more surface area for good bacteria.

Or if you are impatient and have $$$.... you can go to any good LFS and pick up a bottle of live bacteria (used to be refrigerated but i think not anymore). Comes in a purple bottle. Pour it in and 24 hrs later... your tank is cycled! I have cycled an entire fishroom on the eve of a shipment arriving but it left my wallet noticeably lighter.