Cycling with LR

[blkdrgn]

We bought a 12g tank just to practice cycling and to test water conditions before we get the big tank. We might put one fish and a cleanup crew in the future. I added 7lbs of LR but only noticed the day later that it had a clam and small snail in a crevice. The clam was alive as I could see it open and close. Should I still add a small piece of dead shrimp for the cycling process? I was also thinking of adding a couple more lbs of LR.

[MT79]

IMO if the LR shows no signs of die off, ie ammopnia and/or nitrite readings, after a couple days, you could probably start to add a clean up crew, etc. Adding a shrimp would be good for really developing a bacteria colony, but you'll have to monitor ammonia and nitrite and do PWC's accordingly. Too high levels of ammo/nitrite can kill off the beneficial life in/on the rock.

[blkdrgn]

OK thanks. I accidentally put in half a shrimp for half a day yesterday. I will test the water again today.