Dry Rock/Shrimp First Cycle

[saltsavage]

Hey guys!

I'm working on getting my first tank up and running and have been really enjoying the hobby. I will give you the rundown and throw a picture in here as best I can!

29gal tank (30L x 12W x 18H)
Marineland Penguin Power HOB filter (50gal)
One powerhead in top right
Heater

40lbs of live sand
25lbs of dry Marco rocks
2lb seed rock from LFS

I just started my cycle and have a shrimp along with some bottled bacteria because I read that was the best way to jump start a process with dry rock. I am just looking for an outline or expectations of what might happen and how the testing/adjustments work? I've done my research so have a good idea but want to know if someone has ever run the dry rock cycle etc etc.

 

[cracker]

Hello salts , You have a good amount of rock. The cycled rock is right there. Got Ya a shrimp in there. Looks like You have some decent circulation.Your setup looks good to me ! The aquascape looks good also ! So now is the time for patience. what a week and test for ammonia. After a while test for nitrites. and on from there. Others will comment for sure .

 

[saltsavage]

Hello salts , You have a good amount of rock. The cycled rock is right there. Got Ya a shrimp in there. Looks like You have some decent circulation.Your setup looks good to me ! The aquascape looks good also ! So now is the time for patience. what a week and test for ammonia. After a while test for nitrites. and on from there. Others will comment for sure .

Thanks I appreciate it! Those rocks were a pain to get to bridge like that but we made it! Couple more questions for you...

When does the clean up crew go in?

What do you think would be a good stocking list? (I know my girlfriend wants two clowns in there, but what else for a first timer?)

Do you suggest any extra equipment as I put the fish in? (Protein skimmer, UV? I don't have room for a sump)

Should I add some ammonia to get things rolling or just sit tight?

 

[cracker]

Ok, You have a long wait before You think about a cleanup crew. Please add just a few at 1st. No huge CUC packages !
So for a stocking list, No room for a sump and You have and HOB filter this will limit the amount of fishes. A "good" skimmer would be a great addition. Not sure about a UV . gotta wait for the experts to comment on that.
A couple of clowns would be a good addition for the tank and to make Your Lady happy. Now I'm old school and trust in patience and just a shrimp to cycle. Again we have to wait for the experts on boosting with ammonia .
The longer You wait the better You will be a year from now. I know what Ya mean about getting a good looking aquascape. Getting it just right can drive Ya nuts ! LOL

 

[saltsavage]

Also, how long do you think it'll take to see some algae bloom on the dry rocks for me to get excited about haha

 

[cracker]

Your cracking me Up ! You gotta wait Man. No tellin how long before you see algae. Every tank is different . I assure You My friend there will come a time where algae will flat tick You off ! :rolleyes:

 

[jimbau]

Test for ammonia every couple of days. When you see your ammonia spike start testing for nitrites. You should see your ammonia drop and nitrites rise. When this happens start testing for nitrates also. When you see ammonia and nitrites back to zero and nitrates rise you can then do a water change and add a couple of cleanup crew members. There is no telling how long this will take but I would let the tank do its thing and not add any chemicals, bacteria etc. It just confuses things. You can spend this time getting your QT tank ready which you will need when adding fish if you want to avoid desease in your tank.

 

[saltsavage]

@cracker haha man I'm ready to see something going in there! What is this about people cycling with a damsel? I know it's inhumane and all that and people say not to do it, but what are the benefits of it over say the shrimp

 

[saltsavage]

And what does a QT tank consist of..this is all way more then I signed up for but I love it

 

[cracker]

Salt . So it's in humane to use damsels? Those bastids end up surviving and then become devils in the tank ! Stick with the shrimp ! lol
I agree with the " more than I signed up for" concept. Welcome to the addiction ! I've been doing this since the late 70's and I STILL can't figure out how I let all these people talk me into this !
Ok seriously now, A QT tank is a little involved. Best to do some reading/ research. There are many differing ways to do it. Best advice I Can give is and ( for this whole reefkeeping thing) Do your research, check out all the differing methods and make Your own decision based on what makes sense to You !