Starting Cycle

I am trying to start my cycle tonight. I was told to get some raw fish from the supermarket so I went out and did so. I have 3 raw shrimp ready to go. How many should I put in? Also, should i unpeel/leave tail on?

Thanks

 

I would un-peel them. Before I say how many to keep in there, what size is your tank?

 

Thanks for quick reply!

its a 90g with 70 lbs of live rock

 

I'd recommend tossing them in an old panty hose or something to make removal a littler easier. Just a lil advice learned the hard way lol.

 

All 3 will be good on that size.

 

Is the live rock cultured? If it came from an established system, you may not even need the shrimp at all. Live rock already comes with bacteria living in them to break down ammonia and nitrites.

 

I used one for my 75 and didn't get ammonia readings above 1, so I ended up throwing a second in after a week. I'd put it in some kind of mesh net so it doesn't decay all over the place though

 

im not sure if its cultured...i bought it from my lfs

 

thanks for the heads up!

 

Ok, well if it is cultured it will break down whatever ammonia the raw shrimp produce quickly anyways. You may not have much a cycle at all, so don't be surprised if you don't get high ammonia readings. That is if the LR is cultured though. ;D