Cycle with Live Sand, Water, Rock, ect.

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by techno2, Apr 24, 2008.

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  1. techno2

    techno2 Stylophora

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    Bah humbug is all I have to say.
    So after migrating my 12 month setup to a new tank, after 6 weeks, still not cycled.

    I used the existing live Rock, added new Live sand and new water. I expected some time to cycle but not the normal time. Over the last 3 weeks, I have be changing 5 gallons a week with live water and additive called Cycle as well.

    Still, I suspect I am cycling as my Am , N2, N3 have not yet dropped to 0.
    So today I googled, UV and Cycle and found many pages stating to shut off the UV light while Cycling. So tonight I did. We shall see what happens.


    I just cant see how the advertisements of live sand and water are accurate, just add fish, Bah-Humbug...


    Anyone else had a similar experience ?


    PS, all Fish, crabs and shrimp , Mushrooms are healthy and happy. My anemone, well he has not been happy for quite some time. I hope the new light I will get soon will help him.



    \Curious
     
    techno2, Apr 24, 2008
    techno2, Apr 24, 2008
    #1

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  2. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Doing water changes starts the cylce all over again(not completely, but, enough to slow it down). I'd refrain for a while.
     
    missionsix, Apr 24, 2008
    missionsix, Apr 24, 2008
    #2
  3. techno2

    techno2 Stylophora

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    Even with the Natures Ocean "LIVE WATER " ?
     
    techno2, Apr 24, 2008
    techno2, Apr 24, 2008
    #3
  4. Bogie

    Bogie Snowflake Eel

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    Let it sit for a month. No water changes, no skimming needed as there are no fish in there, and running a mechanical filter and/or power head won't hurt the cycle - it may even help. You want some good bacteria building up in your liverock and mechanical filter or sump.
     
    Bogie, Apr 24, 2008
    Bogie, Apr 24, 2008
    #4
  5. techno2

    techno2 Stylophora

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    Well, Actually.. I migrated from an12 month existing tank. About 5 fish and crabs. So it was populated from the get go.


    How does that change things ?


    \cheers
     
    techno2, Apr 24, 2008
    techno2, Apr 24, 2008
    #5
  6. hillbilly251

    hillbilly251 Plankton

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    you said new live sand and water? new filter? its is always helpful to mix half of old sand with new if you do a complete water change, even if you are bringing critters and live rock from an old tank thats above the sand what you need is in the sand or an old filter for a month it will not hurt to do this. what i'm trying to say is all is new and clean not always good go to your local aquirum shop and ask them for an old or used filter you will notice a difference
     
    hillbilly251, Aug 7, 2011
    hillbilly251, Aug 7, 2011
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  7. ReefBruh

    ReefBruh Giant Squid

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    This thread is like three years old. I doubt the originator of this thread is having this problem.
     
    ReefBruh, Aug 8, 2011
    ReefBruh, Aug 8, 2011
    #7
    1 person likes this.
  8. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    LOL... Had me going for a minute! Too early for a Monday morning.

    FTR, I was starting to suspect a bad test kit... Not much of anything will survive a 3-week+ ammonia spike... lol
     
    Mr. Bill, Aug 8, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Aug 8, 2011
    #8