Sterile Tank MicroBiome Cycle

[TangLvr]

Hello everyone!

I am currently cycling a tank with sterile dry rock and Ocean Direct Live sand. I dosed DR Tims, but I really want to have a good MicroBiome. I was not wanting to use live rock due to having parasites etc introduced.


Anything I can do to help improve my stability long term and prevent disease/pests?

 

[Kzang]

Well they say to use dry sand because the bacteria in the sand will compete with the bacteria you dosed and it will lengthen the cycle. Dunno if it’s true or not.

Whatever you buy has to be QT and treated. Inverts, snails, coral, anything with a hard body has to be in a fallow fishless tank for 76 to prevent ich/velvet. It’s tough. I’m getting back into the game and ordered QTed stuff from dr reef. Takes the hassle out of doing it. QTing everything is very painful and time consuming.

Edit: shrimps/crabs can get out after molt

 

[TangLvr]

Agree 1000 percent. I am primarily concerned about making an established diverse system. It seems difficult to do it without live rock! Wanted to know if I had any other options?

I planned on all the QT requirements.

 

[Kzang]

Agree 1000 percent. I am primarily concerned about making an established diverse system. It seems difficult to do it without live rock! Wanted to know if I had any other options?

I planned on all the QT requirements.

Best way would to be buy coral id think. I wouldn’t worry about bacterial diversity. Nitrifying bacteria is nitrifying bacteria.