adding live rock

[rcwolverine]

Can I add live rock to a new tank that is still cycling? Still has a 0.5 ammonia level and high nitrate level. From what I have read putting the live rock now will kill off all the creatures on the rock. Or will the live rock help the cycling process?

 

[phases99]

I would wait until the tank fully cycles so you preserve as much life on the LR as possible. You may still get a spike but it should be much less severe.

 

[tmcpeek]

What is your ammonia and nitrate source. Are you using shrimp? Once those readings come down I would add the rock and then wait until you see a slight spike (or large spike depending on your rock) then once you have those levels down you should be ready to go.

 

[rcwolverine]

Yes. I am using shrimp and waiting for the levels to come down