Cycling- Not sure if I have enough ammonia

[prissysmom]

Hi all,

I am only on day 3. I did an initial reading and it was .25.
I am using a skimmer and live rock only.

Remember though my cured live rock was left out of water for about 24 hours because I had a problem with my skimmer.

So I'm sure I had die of as a result of the LR but is it enough? Do I need a shrimp too?

The water is crystal clear and does not smell.

 

[JPKeenan]

I'm a freshy and know for fresh water you should get the ammonia up to about 4ppm. I am not sure if there is a difference for salt water or not (most likely their is).

I know there has to be an article or two on it here, but at the same time better to get advice from a few different people.

 

[roka64]

You want to use 1 jumbo shrimp, raw unseasoned per 30 gallons.

 

[prissysmom]

Thanks, will pick them up today.

 

[roka64]

You really don't have to run the skimmer during the cycle unless you are trying to break it in.

 

[Aquarium1]

And with shrimp, I don't think you'll have to use ammonia any more.