Live sand and Live Rock

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landshark

Aquarium Advice Activist
Joined
Jan 3, 2013
Messages
150
Location
Texas
Does anyone know how long it takes to cycle a saltwater tank with these to things ? Plus I used a filter from a cycled tank to move things along...
 
It took me three weeks for a 29 gallon tank. When I moved it all from my 29 gallon to my 55 gallon it was cycled right away. Thankfully!
 
It depends on how much die off is on the rock/sand. This must decompose and turn into ammonia, then nitrite, then nitrate.
If the rock is already cycled, and it was not out of water for long, you may completely skip a cycle, and just see a diatom bloom on the new surfaces.
 
I will say that even though I used live rock and sand, I also put some dead uncooked shrimp in the tank to help the cycle.
 
After 3 days my ammonia is 0......my nitrites are 0 ......but my nitrates are a tad bit high....I did a 10% water change to help lower my nitrates......thanks for the advice...
 
Use some ammonia and see if you have a bacteria colony strong enough to process it, before you add livestock thinking the tank is ready.
 
It has got to be pure ammonia. I think hardware stores sell it. Good luck!

Also if your tank is cycled, take it slow with adding fish. One at a time and let the bacteria build up.
 
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