starting up

[michael grady]

So, I added dry rock from Markos, some dry sand and some live sand to my new 120 gal. reef., and started it up this weekend (RODI water).

Today I picked up a few fragments (2 lbs) of cultured rock from the LFS and added them as well...

There is nothing else in the tank.

How often and when should I start testing Nitrite levels?

Also, the P.Skimmer is running, but not producing much surfactant...I'm guessing because there is nothing adding protein to the water??

Thanks for the help!

Michael

 

[hud3339]

Don't even test until at least 2-3 weeks

 

[izoid]

You will need a source of ammonia before you will see any nitrite. I am not sure that 2 lbs of rock will do it in a 120.

 

[michael grady]

So, what would you suggest adding as a source of ammonia? A fish?

 

[db366]

A raw shrimp from the grocery store.

 

[izoid]

michael grady;710648 wrote: So, what would you suggest adding as a source of ammonia? A fish?

That is a loaded question.

You could put a few pieces of uncured live rock in there and it will kick start the process. You would probably need 20 lbs or so. You could also put in the same amount of cured rock and let the bacteria develop over a few week period.

A bottle of Seachem Stability for a week and then add a hardy fish would also work. I was a doubter until I tried it and did not loose a fish when using Stability.

I just set up a 60 cube and am using 90% dry rock. I am trying a fishless cycle and added some pure ammonia to the tank to get it going. This is the first time I have done this type of cycle so we will see how it works out.

The bottom line is that there are a number of ways to cycle a tank. It will really depend on your personality, patience level, as to the route you choose.

 

[davidinga]

Load up on some live rock would be my suggestion.

 

[dme330i]

You'll get plenty of ammonia from that marco rock. Lots of nasties in it. I like the suggestions of adding a lot of quality/cured live rock. Your cycle will take much longer without the cured stuff.

 

[seth the wine guy]

Let that puppy sit there for 6 weeks before testing a thing. Don't bother running a skimmer until you have it cycled and fish in the tank. It's like a vegetable garden. No matter what you do you can't make the yield come any quicker.