Cycling tank with shrimp

I've read some articles on seeding my rocks new tank with shrimp.
I'm just getting ready to start the cycle. My rocks have been cleaned with bleach and baking soda. So there's nothing on them(and sand).

It's 180 gallons... how many shrimp?
Then I'm planning on keeping temp around 80, and a powerhead running.

 

You probably only need 1 raw shrimp. Put it in a mesh bag/media bag and just toss it in. This will get the bacteria going, but remember that the pop. of bacteria will be low, so you will need to slowly add creatures as you go, allowing time in between for the bacteria to catch up

 

I'd never heard of that. Makes sense, though. Something to keep in mind when I finally upgrade to a larger tank.

 

some people do shrimp, I did damsels. IMO damsels are a much faster way to get some bacteria cycling the tank. But guitarman has set you in the right direction with the shrimp. But I wonder what the reason for the mesh bag is? If the shrimp are in there to disintegrate. After 2 months there won't be anything left. BTW. Congrats, I'd love to have a 180

 

Lots of ways to break in a new tank. I prefer to use a few select live damsel fishes. Last time I bleached corals were in the 1970's. Nowadays I use live rocks with rinsed base rocks.

 

Shrimp

I used an old nylon stocking, my sister gave me..
There will be alot of the shrimp left.. shell, head etc..

I have a 60 gal..
I used 5 shrimp... LOL
I never had a problem..
But I only have 2 fish, and alot of mushrooms, and leathers...

Just remember.... Take it slow .....


Good Luck, Larry

 

One yellow-tail damsel is what I would do.

 

So you can use regular table shrimp from the seafood department at the grocery store?

 

Yes, you could actually use household ammonia.

 

Straight ammonia? is there a number you are trying to drive the ammonia level up to so the cycle will be ideal?

Hey av8bluewater... you a pilot?