cycle again?

ok so heres the dilema. i have a ten gallon without any live rock in it. i cycled once, will i have to cycle again after i get the live rock in there? we are gonna put a damsel in there after i get the rock. am i going to have to cycle again?

 

yes most likely.

so i wouldn't.


instead, add dry white base rock. it's cheaper, will become live and won't cycle your tank.

 

yea base rock sorry. ok thanks.

 

I definitely would.... I always take my time with cycling until all the ammonias and nitrats are down... so I would recommend for you to do it. Don't add the damsel right away.

 

then no worries.

i read your other thread about ordering from John and was like WTF?

Then I came back to this one and I see. ;D


it shouldn't cycle in any meaningful amount. I'd rinse the rock first, but otherwise just put it in (make sure it's touching bottom!!! not just on the substrate). Personally, I'd wait a week before adding a fish but that's just me.

 

you definitely would what? he has already cycled... just concerned about restarting it due to die off (which turns out he won't have since he's using base rock instead of LR)

 

Lots of base rock still has organics trapped in it/encrusted on it, most of it came from the ocean at one point and just because it's dry doesn't mean it can't be rehydrated and begin to decay.

It depends how clean the rock is. Even base rock can (but won't necessarily) produce another cycle if there's a lot of organics on/in it. You can try and minimize it by washing it well and maybe even doing a bleach bath on it (and allowing it to dry out thoroughly of course).

You can also throw it in a rubbermaid tub or something and keep it relatively warm for a couple weeks and get as much stuff to come off/out of the rock as possible. Basically cycle the rock in another container.

 

it might be a week before we can make a trip to the lfs anyways. i hope they come in today. so i shouldnt have to worry about another cycle?