mistake or not?

Frenchfrog · May 4, 2021

Hey folks, question...? In my new 15g that i started 2 weeks ago I added the salt and and live sand which... I give a good wash over the sink. Yes I DID IT!!!. Last week I added wet and dry live rock. The test are good no change... which makes sense. In the picture there is a rock missing for a total of 14 lbs.

Now my question. Should I add live bacteria or the wet/dry rocks will produce bacteria? Or, should i buy a new bag or live wet sand?

Thanks everyone for your help

guntercb · May 4, 2021

Bacteria will naturally find their way into your aquarium; however, I probably would buy some bottled bacteria to help insure a quicker cycle.

Be safe just buy a bottle of bacteria, it will not be that expensive and worth the insurance.

Good luck.

Frenchfrog · May 4, 2021

Thanks guntercb

KrisReef · May 4, 2021

@Frenchfrog

I'm trying to decide if your name is racist and if I should be triggered?

The only thing that would make your start up more likely to succeed is to start a build thread over in Members Tanks so we can watch and cheer you on!

I vaguely remember having a 15 gallon tank (fresh water) many years ago and thanks for that memory. It was a fun tank, but it was a long time ago.

Jekyl · May 4, 2021

If you added established live rock then you have the bacteria you need.

Frenchfrog · May 5, 2021

KrisReef said:
@Frenchfrog

I'm trying to decide if your name is racist and if I should be triggered? The only thing that would make your start up more likely to succeed is to start a build thread over in Members Tanks so we can watch and cheer you on!

I vaguely remember having a 15 gallon tank (fresh water) many years ago and thanks for that memory. It was a fun tank, but it was a long time ago.

My first fresh water tank was 15g, later I had more, and I was about 10 years old. So yup 41 years ago. Good memories

I do have a good sense of humour so as a French, hey oui je suis un français Canadien, je suis du Québec, guy working with funny English guys I was often caller Frenchfrog and I like it lol.

About my 15g reef, it is my first come back. Cause I expect to have another one but way bigger.

Frenchfrog · May 5, 2021

Jekyl said:
If you added established live rock then you have the bacteria you need.

If it is the case, should I just wait one more week to start addding snails?

homer1475 · May 5, 2021

Only way to know for sure is to test the tank.

If you have all 0(ammonia, nitrite, nitrate), then your tank isn't cycled and never started.

Bacteria will show up on their own, but without a food source(ammonia) they will not show up. Of course you can add bottled bacteria to speed up the process, but this hobby is a lesson in patience, and waiting for the cycle is just the first lesson.

Frenchfrog · May 5, 2021

homer1475 said:
Only way to know for sure is to test the tank.

If you have all 0(ammonia, nitrite, nitrate), then your tank isn't cycled and never started.

Bacteria will show up on their own, but without a food source(ammonia) they will not show up. Of course you can add bottled bacteria to speed up the process, but this hobby is a lesson in patience, and waiting for the cycle is just the first lesson.

As I have said to my kids patience is your way to go.

This weekend I will add bottled bacteria not to rush it but to start it then have beer or wine