need help, cycling my tank(dead shrimp)

[kwaenz]

Ok just started the cycling process on my BC14 using a dead shrimp, its been running for a few days now. Am cycling it with 15lbs of arag-sand, no LR yet but its on its way as i have ordered some dry rocks from BRS recently about 15lbs of dry rocks. Place the bioballs, a koralia 425, and the filter that came with the biocube. All is in place but when I open the lid it kinda smells bad, is this the ammonia starting to takeover the tank?

I was also wondering if its ok at all to add active-carbon & phospure during the cycling process, will it affect the cycling in a bad way?

Will a partial water change necessary to do during cycling?

[rdnelson99]

Originally Posted by kwaenz

Ok just started the cycling process on my BC14 using a dead shrimp, its been running for a few days now. Am cycling it with 15lbs of arag-sand, no LR yet but its on its way as i have ordered some dry rocks from BRS recently about 15lbs of dry rocks. Place the bioballs, a koralia 425, and the filter that came with the biocube. All is in place but when I open the lid it kinda smells bad, is this the ammonia starting to takeover the tank?

I was also wondering if its ok at all to add active-carbon & phospure during the cycling process, will it affect the cycling in a bad way?

Will a partial water change necessary to do during cycling?

I wouldn't do any partial water changes (PWC) until it is done cycling. The bacteria need to the ammonia to grow. If you do a PWC you are removing some of the ammonia that the bacteria would have fed off of. As for the smell, I have read that curing live rock will give off some pretty bad smell. I used a lot of live rock when I cycled my tank and didn't need to cure it so I can't speak of my own experience but I think that is what you are smelling. Are you testing your water yourself? If not, I would recommend it. It will help you know when the cycle is complete and get you in good habits for when you start adding livestock.

[rdnelson99]

If you are unfamiliar with the whole cycling process, I would recommend you read this article. Helped me understand it much better and saved me from doing some things I would have regretted.

The (almost) Complete Guide and FAQ to Fishless Cycling

[kwaenz]

thanks rdnelson99 for pointing that out. ill go ahead with that article you gave.

[rdnelson99]

Originally Posted by kwaenz

thanks rdnelson99 for pointing that out. ill go ahead with that article you gave.

You are very welcome. Wish I could take credit for it but I am just regurgitating what others told me when I came on this site a couple months ago.

[kwaenz]

I'll give you the credit for leading me to that article & helping me out.

Its almost a week since i've cycled and had no idea if i was on the right track, hopefully it turns out well. I dont have any tester's right now, hopefully my API tester will arrive this friday.

[rdnelson99]

I bought the API saltwater master to start then bought the API reef master kit. Later, I found out they are not the greatest. Because I spent the money on them I will use them up but.....I will occasionally take samples to a trusted LFS and compare results. That way I can tell how off my readings are.

Read all the posts you can on this forum. You will find several people who have a ton of knowledge and love to share. Of course there are a few that love to share but don't have the required knowledge. LOL You got to be sure you can tell the differance. I can tell you that if you see anything by Mr_X or ccCapt you can take it to the bank. Those two are great.

[kwaenz]

I believe there's no near LFS here other than petco w/c im not aware if they do free testing of water parameters.

I guess getting an API master tester kit is better than having none.

Ill try to look for posts of those two members you noted.

[Sharklover]

Dnt forget carey she answered like 80% of my questions and knows a lot too

[kwaenz]

i think shes kinda busy this week since shes into buying stuffs she needs for her tank.

[rdnelson99]

Originally Posted by kwaenz

i think shes kinda busy this week since shes into buying stuffs she needs for her tank.

Yes she is great. Nobody researches equipment better than her. I have watched people ask her about something and she doesn't know but will get back to them. 1/2 hour later, she has fully researched it and has an answer for them. Lot of great people on this site.

[kwaenz]

Anyway just wanna know, has anyone cycled w/ carbon before? will it affect my cycling process like get rid of my ammonia? I'm trying to find it out been searching for answers for a day now but can't find a straight answer, I wanna know cos my tank is starting to stink bad.

[rdnelson99]

I had not carbon in my system when I cycled so I really can't answer. If you don't get an answer soon, send a private message to one of the experts. I am sure they will be happy to help you out.

[kwaenz]

Good idea! how come I've never thought of that lol.