Hey guys. I'm so glad this thread is getting so much use. I have major news. I FINALLY got my rock into the main tank. I tested the water in the cycling container and I DID end up with nitrates!! This shows you can start with dry rock, add an ammonia source (naturally with a raw shrimp in my case) and the bacteria will follow!
Full disclosure: Those who have been following me personally on this thread have seen I have only been topping up that container for about a year. So I do realize the bacteria that spawned to cycle probably are gone due to lack of "food". It does however show that the system works because nitrates did appear at some point. Please feel free to comment! I'm excited to report this worked
Full disclosure: Those who have been following me personally on this thread have seen I have only been topping up that container for about a year. So I do realize the bacteria that spawned to cycle probably are gone due to lack of "food". It does however show that the system works because nitrates did appear at some point. Please feel free to comment! I'm excited to report this worked