live rock, what now?

Discussion in 'Live Rock' started by rich6459, Jul 20, 2011.

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  1. rich6459

    rich6459 Plankton

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    First off I greetings everyone. I set up an 8 gallon biocube the other day, everything is going great. I just got the live rock today, now my question is what do I do next? Do I wait, or should I add ammonia like fw? I'm waiting on a response so I do mess anything up lol. Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2011
    rich6459, Jul 20, 2011
    rich6459, Jul 20, 2011
    #1

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  2. LCP136

    LCP136 Sailfin Tang

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    Now you need to cycle the tank, which you can do by adding a chunk of raw shrimp or something like that. Welcome to 3reef by the way.
     
    LCP136, Jul 20, 2011
    LCP136, Jul 20, 2011
    #2
  3. rich6459

    rich6459 Plankton

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    Thanks! So like a shrimp I would have for diner will do?
     
    rich6459, Jul 20, 2011
    rich6459, Jul 20, 2011
    #3
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Welcome to 3Reef!

    Yes, that's what most people use.
     
    Mr. Bill, Jul 20, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Jul 20, 2011
    #4
  5. Doratus

    Doratus Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    The next step after you put in the shrimp is to have a cold beer. Then yeah, just wait for it to cycle like you would with a FW tank.

    Welcome!
     
    Doratus, Jul 20, 2011
    Doratus, Jul 20, 2011
    #5
  6. rich6459

    rich6459 Plankton

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    Okay okay sounds good. Anyone know where to buy a a single shrimp :p And cheers to that! What's the average cycle time?
     
    rich6459, Jul 20, 2011
    rich6459, Jul 20, 2011
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  7. Coastie Reefer

    Coastie Reefer Millepora

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    depending on how much rock you have and if it's truly live rock or not, but a cycle can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks on average. Sometimes shorter....sometimes longer.
     
    Coastie Reefer, Jul 20, 2011
    Coastie Reefer, Jul 20, 2011
    #7
  8. 55gfowlr

    55gfowlr Zoanthid

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    The trick IS LEARN PATIENCE.............out of curiosity I tested my first tank every day for the first 30 days, I recommend this if you're a starter or as some refer "Noob" so as you can watch the way nitrates Cycle in your tank. Knowing how the basic elements work in an ecosystem is key, in the long run, to keeping it alive.
     
    55gfowlr, Jul 20, 2011
    55gfowlr, Jul 20, 2011
    #8
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  9. chuck78

    chuck78 Astrea Snail

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    How much rock do you have in the tank? That's what will truly let you know what to do. If you have a certain amount of rock in the tank then the tank is ALMOST instantly cycled. More rock = More nitrifying Bacteria. Oh & I used "Bio Spira" for my nano. Shrimp is cool but, Bio Spira is waaaaaayyy faster. I'm on my 3rd tank & it has'nt failed me once. Do some research if you doubt me & good luck with your new tank :)
     
    chuck78, Jul 20, 2011
    chuck78, Jul 20, 2011
    #9
  10. rich6459

    rich6459 Plankton

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    I have like two pieces of rock making a v. It opens in the front ( if that makes sense). I'm not sure how many pounds that would be. I put live rock in my filter as well ( I need to get more in the filter, and another small piece in the middle of the v.
     
    rich6459, Jul 21, 2011
    rich6459, Jul 21, 2011
    #10
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