Adding LR to an up and running (but immature) tank?

Hi everyone.

Quick question: How do I go about adding LR to my tank, without causing a "mini-cycle"?

Or would it best to not risk it, and just add base rock? (I kinda want some hitch-hikers )

I guess I should add that it's a 25gallon. I have 2 clowns that have been in here for about a week now, along with an emerald, couple snails, and a good few hermits.

 

if you add in very small increments you are normally fine depending on how large your tank is. so how large is your tank haha. and do you have a FOWLR tank? if it is a reef, most hitch hikers arent something to smile about

 

Tank size, live stock, how much LR do u have, how much more are you adding?

 

I think you gentlemen read this the second I posted it, right before the little edit I did.

It's a 25 gallon. I have 2 clowns, an emerald, a few hermits, and a couple snails.

I have about 12 lbs LR from the LFS that I started out with. I love the way it has "grown" under my lighting. Things are sprouting everywhere, and it just looks good. The other rock I used was what you could call base rock, but it came from a questionable source, and I have reasons to believe it may be altering my pH. That is a whole other thread though.

 

so, I'd be adding at least 20lbs more.

 

I would add 5 lbs every 4-5 days to be safe..

 

Just a few pounds at a time over time. Or cure it again in a seperate tub with a heater and powerhead.