When/What to add?

Hi all,

In My tank thread I describe where my tank resurrection is currently at ...

I'm concerned I haven't got a start of the Ammonia->Nitrite->Nitrate cyle and would like to hear how to proceed.

I have room for another 5lbs or so of live rock, so would an "un-cured" piece or two be a good start?
Hows about a bit of live sand to wake up the CC?
I suspect it's too early still for some fish, but would one royal gamma be too crewl?

TIA

Rob

 

Cycling can last up to 12 weeks, but keep on testing until you see the rise and fall of Nh3/4, No2 and No3. If your going to add any LR, now is the time to do it. CC is not recommended. After a month, you can add a damsel. Luna

 

lunatik,

The CC is only about 1/2" in the front half. The rear half is completely bare. I have a powerhead firing down the back wall to wash detritus to the front, and another powerhead firing around at the bottom to also promote mater motion.

I don't recall the brand of substrate, but it was an aragonite (with a small "actifier packet" which I didn't add). It is not as fine a grain size as I would like tho.

My goal was to have *just enough* on the bottom (at the front) to cover.

Should I pull it and just go with 10lbs of a good fine "truly live" sand from the LFS?

 

Opinions will differ, but I dont like CC, they tend to collect more sluge than sand does. If your going to change it out, now is the perfect time to do it since you just set up the tank. Luna