Leave/Remove the raw shrimp (Cycling)

[CountryWellReef]

Hi Everyone,

New here. Kept a reef tank for about 12 years, but been out of the hobby while my kids were small. Been awhile, having to relearn some stuff.

120 Gallon Tall tank, 30 gallon sump/refug
Both bought used, took LS from the existing tank, added it to the refug as a 4" deep base and a thin layer in the display
Only dry rock in the display
Added 3 raw jumbo shrimp in the refug to kick off cycle after waiting 2 weeks and only getting maybe a hint of ammonia, 0 nitrite and hint of nitrate.
Added Microbactir

Last week Ammonia spiked to 1-1.5 ppm, Nitrite still near zero, still near zero Nitrate
As of today, Ammonia has fallen to 0.5 ppm, Nitrite has spiked to 1-1.5 ppm, Nitrates are rising and around 10 ppm.
Shrimp are still mostly whole in the sump, but covered in green fuzz. They have not deteriorated much.

Should I let them continue to feed the bacteria cycle? (I'm afraid my Nitrates might go haywire into the 50-60ppm)
Or have I done enough for the cycle, remove them, except for maybe a small piece and let it finish?

Also, currently getting diatom blooms everywhere last couple days.

 

[Tahoe61]

I would remove and continue with fish food of ammonium.

 

[ShanePike]

I would take the shrimp out. Your cycle has started, and you had enough ammonia to feed enough nitrifying bacteria. You don't need any more ammonia unless you aren't planning to add a natural source of ammonia (e.g., fish) any time soon. The ammonia starts the cycle; you don't have to keep adding it as the cycle progresses.

 

[BeanAnimal]

The shrimp are not hurting anything but have also served their purpose. Leaving them in will provide more food for bacteria, as will adding ammonia directly. But, as others have stated, the cycle has started, so there is no real need to keep adding fuel. It won't harm anything, but it won't significantly speed anything up either. Take them out, and move on with your plans, whatever they are. You have a complete nitrifying system that should (and will) scale with however you move forward.

 

[CountryWellReef]

Ok thanks guys. I'll take it all out.

Plans are full clean up crew at ammonia and Nitrite zero.

Then either paired clowns or 3/4 damsels to start. Will be going slow on fish and coral.

 

[ShanePike]

I'd be careful going full clean up crew if they don't have anything to clean up yet. You don't want to let things get out of hand either, though, so it's a balance.