Am i still cycling?

[Steve silbernagel]

I've been up and running for 9 weeks now. I'm running a 55gal. 50lbs live sand and 40lbs cured live rock. My question is does my cycle start over every time I add new live rock. Bc I've been adding live rock every week to the tank since I've started. I test my water every week good results. I've even had my LFS test it. I'm also looking at adding 10-20 lbs of dry Fiji from Craigslist and what will that do besides eventually turn back into live rock.

 

[reefrunner69]

Cured rock should have a small impact on your ammonia levels, dry rock should not effect them at all, uncured rock can spike your ammonia, so to answer your question...it can definitely start a mini cycle...but it won't necessarily, it just depends.

 

[Steve silbernagel]

Thx for the reply. I've had very low ammonia results. One tiny spike but that was at week 6 I added 3 gal of RO water for top off and it went away. The rock I'm looking at must have been bleached bc it's clean looking

 

[Jlsardina]

How did you initially cycle the tank?

When moving live rock you can lose some of the beneficial bacteria and it will cause a slight ammonia rise- but if you are fully cycled it should be minimal. Base rock is best to add after a cycle. If the rock isn't fully cured it is best to cure it in a big bin with a power head and watch the water levels.

 

[Steve silbernagel]

How long does that take and what's the presedure on doin that

 

[Steve silbernagel]

How about this rock I believe it's base rock. I found it

 

[Jlsardina]

How about this rock I believe it's base rock. I found it

Base rock is pure white and has been dry for a very LONG time. Where did you find it?

 

[Steve silbernagel]

My backyard. It's also wet bc it's been sitting outside

 

[Jlsardina]

Hose it off really well and let it sit in a bucket of saltwater with a spare power head or pump and see if you get any readings in a week.

 

[reefrunner69]

Personally I wouldn't use it, but I suppose you know better than anyone what has been in your backyard. This time of year our neighborhood is sprayed with pesticide for the mosquitoes, If I were to use it....I would bleach it well and let it air dry before using it.

 

[Steve silbernagel]

Running ground water for now goin to get 5 gal SW tomorrow. I'm gonna run it for a week and test it. It's pretty solid rock Florida base rock u can see shell fossil and sorts all over it. would it be good to throw a piece good harty live rock in with it???

 

[Jlsardina]

Running ground water for now goin to get 5 gal SW tomorrow. I'm gonna run it for a week and test it. It's pretty solid rock Florida base rock u can see shell fossil and sorts all over it. would it be good to throw a piece good harty live rock in with it???

I would let it run it's course for a week in saltwater ad then test the water

 

[Steve silbernagel]

Ya sounds like a good plan. Do u think the piece of live rock would act as a seed

 

[Jlsardina]

Long term- yes. But I wouldn't bother. It will do it fine on its own

 

[Steve silbernagel]

Ok I'm just gonna run it and see what happens