My Seeded Tank

So I've have my tank set up with 35lbs of dry rock and a couple of pounds of live rock. My nitrites are at 0, my nitrates are at a comfortable level, but there is still a tiny trace (under .25ppm) of ammonia. Once my ammonia levels are 0, should I wait until all my dry rock becomes live or just until my tests come back clean to stock my tank? No coral if you're wondering.

 

Please delete 2 of 3 of my posts. Damn smart phones.

 

I would assume that once your ammonia hits 0, that means your rock is no longer dry rock but live rock.. ( not well established yet) but it is safe to assume your tank should be ready for a fish or 2.

 

How big is your system? I agree with elweshomayor though. What kind of filtration are you running as well.

 

Just remember to go slow. The bacteria on your rocks will adjust to each addition to the bio load by multiplying. So the key is to add the bioload slowly so the bacteria has time to colonize and grow to the new levels.

 

I Have a 40 gallon breeder. I also have live sand if that makes a difference. The only thing is, I was getting low ammonia levels before, so when I get zero, this is due to a.) my filtration. Or b.) the rock is live. My filteation system includes a protein skimmer good for 40 gallon and a power filter good for 50 gallons.

 

I don't know if I quite understand what you are saying, but I would say that when your ammonia are at zero that it has to do more with your tank being completely cycled. This has to do both with your filtration and your live rock/sand. I would almost expect your nitrites to come back up just a little bit as well to combat the ammonia levels.

 

Sorry about the confusion. I'll just wait until my ammonia levels are at 0. Then, what would be the best small "bio-load?"

 

Hit some of the FAQ's for cycling. Youll see ammonia rise then fall, nitrites rise then fall, then nitrates rise & fall. This can be large or small on both scale & time depending on the amount of live rock you added. My first tank (75g) it took right around just short of a month. My second tank was much shorter, but I used alot of seeded/live rock & sand that I had brewing in my sump.

 

First, make sure your nitrite is still also 0. 1 or 2 small fish will suffice for a 40g.