Normally when starting a new FW tank I seed with a cup full of gravel from one of my established tanks (IMO works way better than any LFS "bacteria" they try to sell). However this will be my first SW tank so I don't have that option and with all the hitch hiker posts i've seen here, I think i'd rather do dry rock. I see some people use bio-spira to help cycling, is it worth it to use or no?
I also see that an uncooked shrimp works well to start the process, first question is.. does it create a smell? I have an african grey who sleeps in the room that my SW tank will be in and they're very sensitive to odors.
second question, do i filter the water while the cycle is going? (HOB)
third and final, i know what to look for in a proper fw cycle.. are there any difference in sw cycling? (test kit wise, is it the same in that i need to watch for the nitrITEs to go to zero before i consider if fully cycled or is it the algae growth that i need to be watching after that's completed?)
If my understanding is correct, i set up the tank, get my salinity to proper levels, add my dry rock, add the shrimp & possibly bio-spira, wait, wait some more, test, wait again, test, add something hardy to start. (???)
You guys have been super helpful thus far, so much appreciated!
I also see that an uncooked shrimp works well to start the process, first question is.. does it create a smell? I have an african grey who sleeps in the room that my SW tank will be in and they're very sensitive to odors.
second question, do i filter the water while the cycle is going? (HOB)
third and final, i know what to look for in a proper fw cycle.. are there any difference in sw cycling? (test kit wise, is it the same in that i need to watch for the nitrITEs to go to zero before i consider if fully cycled or is it the algae growth that i need to be watching after that's completed?)
If my understanding is correct, i set up the tank, get my salinity to proper levels, add my dry rock, add the shrimp & possibly bio-spira, wait, wait some more, test, wait again, test, add something hardy to start. (???)
You guys have been super helpful thus far, so much appreciated!