Cycle Question

If I'm going with all dry base rock, Home Depot play sand, and adding in 30-40 lbs of live rock, much of a cycle should I expect?

 

Probably a pretty good one. I cycled some dry base rock and got pretty high ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, but it only took about 2 weeks to cycle. I'm also so happy to finally see a post on this subject that isn't all about "seeding" their tanks with or for something. Everything will come in time and good parameters. Also, is that sand limestone/aragonite based or silcate based?

 

Thanks GuitarMan,
A couple weeks sounds great. Hopefully that's all mine will take as well. I'm not quite sure what sand I will be using yet. I've heard about Home Depot "high desert play sand" can be used and is really cheap. I need to look more into it.
I'm with you on the whole "seeding" thing. I figure if it's dead now, it will eventually become live once some bacteria starts building up during the cycle, whether it's "seeded" with something live or not. I somewhat understand the concept behind the idea, just not sure I'm convinced it really helps anything.

 

can you use home depot play sand and cement to make base rock, if so which kinds are best

 

google "DIY BASE ROCK" or make your own thread.

To the OP - What kind of play sand are you using? I heard that the general consensus now is the silica concerns were unfounded. I would love to see how it looks in your tank under some reef lights.

~Will.

 

I would like to see as well. I know I've read people on here have used this "high desert play sand". Can somebody post a pic so we can see what it looks like?

 

From what I understand the HDPS is regional. I went by HD and Lowes to get a look at the stuff, and neither carry here in OK.