I've been doing tons of research on cycling and I understand it's different from tank to tank and that this topic has probably been beat to death. Here is my scenario, please let me know what you all think! I have a 65 Gallon tank with about a 10 gallon sump.
- I purchased 40 lbs of cured live rock from a friend from an established tank, my tank wasn't filled fully yet with saltwater so I transferred the rock into a brute container with a heater and circulation where it sat for about 1.5-2 weeks.
- I added it all to my tank and added another 20-25 lbs of liverock from my LFS immediately(transferred wrapped in wet paper towels for 20 min drive). I am not sure if it was "cured" but the pieces did have noticeable life on them.
- The tank sat about a week and a half where all levels were perfect(I believe I saw a small spike in ammonia 1 day?)
- I may have rushed things but I added a Chromis who has seemed to be perfectly happy for about 5 days now.
- Water tested over the last few days with everything perfect still. I've had the lights cycling on and off and have noticed some of the rock turning brown (diatom bloom from what I read?)
I'm getting mixed info from my friends on whether to proceed with a small cleanup crew or an additional fish or two.
As always, thanks for taking the time to help!
- I purchased 40 lbs of cured live rock from a friend from an established tank, my tank wasn't filled fully yet with saltwater so I transferred the rock into a brute container with a heater and circulation where it sat for about 1.5-2 weeks.
- I added it all to my tank and added another 20-25 lbs of liverock from my LFS immediately(transferred wrapped in wet paper towels for 20 min drive). I am not sure if it was "cured" but the pieces did have noticeable life on them.
- The tank sat about a week and a half where all levels were perfect(I believe I saw a small spike in ammonia 1 day?)
- I may have rushed things but I added a Chromis who has seemed to be perfectly happy for about 5 days now.
- Water tested over the last few days with everything perfect still. I've had the lights cycling on and off and have noticed some of the rock turning brown (diatom bloom from what I read?)
I'm getting mixed info from my friends on whether to proceed with a small cleanup crew or an additional fish or two.
As always, thanks for taking the time to help!