How long does it take for an ammonia spike to happen?

[harrytownend]

I set up my new tank a few days ago with live rock from my established old tank and some from a friends established tank. I've been ghost feeding since then and haven't seen any ammonia. When will this happen or will I not see a spike as my live rock is already established? When I transported the rock from my friends tank it was all kept underwater the whole way and the temperature didn't fall to low at all because he lives nearby so will I not get a lot of die off from the rock?

Thanks?


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[Sniperhank]

All the rock with bacteria already established in it, it is highly unlikely you will see any ammonia and nitrite levels rise.

 

[harrytownend]

So my tank instantly cycled? Would that mean in theory I could start adding fish and other stuff now? I'll still wait a week or two so I don't take any risks


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[Sniperhank]

It is all rock that went through cycles from running tanks. The bacteria is there and livestock could be moved in.


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[harrytownend]

Nice! I'll try a cleaner shrimp and a couple of hermits and see if anything happens.


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[Flaxon-Waxon]

I personally would add a fish now, and give the bacteria that is already established something to consume and maintain itself in the system.

 

[Mebbid]

A cleaner shrimp isnt something i would add until the aquarium has been running with fish for at least a few weeks. They can die fairly easily so you dont want to expose them to any potential spikes.

 

[harrytownend]

The cleaner shrimp seems to be doing fantastic and my ammonia and nitrite are both 0 and I have low nitrates. I've kept ghost feeding as I can't get a fish until next week and there seems to be no ammonia whatsoever.