cycle question

[zach119]

it it ok to throw the raw shrimp in before i have my sand in there does it really matter???

 

[custman]

I would wait untill you have at least some rock and or sand for the bacteria to populate

 

[zach119]

so i should get rock and sand in there first then throw them in? anyone else haev any suggestions?

 

[RLG2182]

Bacteria grows in the substrate & rocks... often on the glass too. If all you have in there is water, you're limiting your chances for a proper cycle. I would wait until you got your sand/rocks in first, and then throw in your shrimp.

 

[zach119]

what about the hitchihikers i get with my lr.com rock i want them to survive???? what do i do?

 

[Jermz79]

I would start with some Un-Cured LR first then add some cured LR.com rock after your cycle. I think it's almost guaranteed that some of the hitchhikers will die off during the cycle process!
I just started my tank and added around 40lbs of Un-cured Fiji Premium and 45lbs of Carib Sea aragonite sand and 15lbs of Carib Sea Aragalive. After my cycle with a raw shrimp I plan on adding about another 15 pounds of LR.

Good Luck