My LR cycled!!!

[severum mama]

Many of you probably remember that I have between 80-100 pounds of LR sitting in a Rubbermaid container, awaiting a tank. Tonight I tested my water and got some great news! Ammonia and nitrites are 0, and nitrates are 40. 8O PH is 8.2. I'm assuming that means my rock has cycled, am I right?

I posted awhile back asking whether I should do a pwc when the NH3 was off the charts, and I was advised against it. I haven't done any pwc's yet, and now there is a nasty looking film on top of the water, which is circulating with a Maxi Jet 1200. Should I do a pwc now, or even a 100% change?

My last question is, how do I keep the rock cycled until I can afford the tank? It might be a while. Can I do this with a raw shrimp, or can I do it by adding uncured LR rubble (I have plenty of access to this)?

Thanks in advance for all your help, as always!

 

[Devilishturtles]

Sweet! You can add the raw shrimp, or the rubble. I would assume the shrimp would be less cost and more beneficial, but that's just me. I would go ahead and do a good water change. Not 100% but maybe 50%.

Can't wait to see pics!

 

[severum mama]

LOL, there's not much to see, just a pile of rocks in a Rubbermaid with a powerhead, but I suppose I'll try to post a pic. I'll grab some water and proceed with a pwc. The uncured LR rubble would be free, so should I still use a shrimp?

 

[melosu58]

Yes 50% PWC would be good. How long do you anticipate till the tank comes?

 

[roka64]

You could just add some flake food to feed the bacteria, maybe a little bit, twice a week, might not stink as much as rotting shrimp....

 

[severum mama]

How long do you anticipate till the tank comes?

Difficult to say. I'm pretty low on funds at the moment, and with the holidays coming up I doubt if that will change before Christmas. I'll be getting some Christmas money from my parents but I don't know how much.

You could just add some flake food to feed the bacteria, maybe a little bit, twice a week, might not stink as much as rotting shrimp....

I'm with ya there. The rock is in my living room in the future tank's spot- I wouldn't want to gross out our guests, not to mention ourselves! Would uncured rubble accomplish the same thing?

Lastly, is there a target number I should shoot for for nitrates or anything?

 

[austinsdad]

Would uncured rubble accomplish the same thing?

Anything that creates an ammonina source for the new bacteria to feed off of. I'd prefer food twice a week too.

I wouldn't worry too much about the nitrates.