Cycling question

I have had my tank set up and running for about 4 1/2 days now and I have 15Lbs of LR to cycle my tank.(it's only been in for 3 days) from what I researched, everyone says cycling takes a while Maybe a few weeks? I am already seeing life on my LR such as mini stars and bristle worms. does this mean my tank is coming close to being cycled? That I have good water conditions? I know the cycling process is for the bacteria to form. Just wanted to know everyone elses opinion as 3days seems really fast for critters to start venturing out from what others have told me. I took a sample of my water to a LFS and they said everything looked really good. I haven't done a home test yet for ammonia and nitrates as I was going to give it a few days. Maybe just quality LR? I did pay $9 per lb for it lol

 

those are just the critters that came with your rock! Cycling, especially with LR only takes 4-6 weeks! Stay patient, nothing good comes from rushing in this hobby!

 

I know they came with the rocks, just have been told that you normally don't see them for weeks if not months. Just thought it was a little quick being only three days to see them. And thought maybe they need good water quality just like fish and corals.

 

yeah everything needs good water quality, but those guys are pretty tough! I think most usually don't see them for weeks or months, because they're primarily nocturnal, and it takes awhile for them to reproduce to enough numbers where you're more likely to see one!

 

when i started my tank after putting the rock in i saw critters in day 1.In week 3 my ammonia spiked and they all died.For the first couple of weeks you will have good water condition and life.After you spike you need to monitor your ammonia ,nitrites and nitrates,You will see the process.The ammonia will lower and your nitrites will spike and then they will lower and your nitrates will spike.When your nitrated are to 0 you are pretty much done and even still i gave my tank another 2 weeks before adding anything other then a cuc.

 

And like the above posters said.If you rush this you will fail.I have had my tank going for 6 months and have already been through a crash because of trying to go fast.Just enjoy your rock for a while because once you are good and cycled it starts becoming very rewarding. If you rush you wont see the rewards like you should

 

+1 Just keep testing the water. Wait until nitrates are 0 and you are set. LR speeds cycling, but you will always have die-off when you import LR from another system. Be Patient and you will be rewarded!