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Unread 01/09/2012, 07:46 PM   #1
bdr
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some newbie cycle questions

I have just started to cycle my 90g tank using 85lbs dry rock and 5 lbs lr to seed it with. how high should the ammonia nitrates and nitrites go ballpark? Also how many weeks in should they start rising? i threw in a piece of shrimp to get it started and its just starting to break up a bit. lastly does all of the bacteria and whatever life was on the lr survive the cycle?


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Unread 01/09/2012, 08:08 PM   #2
tony53176
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just for an idea I am using all dry rock and I immediately saw the ammonia rise not spike but rise, about a week in the ammonia spiked at 2ppm, it has started to come down slowly and now the nitrites have spike at or above 5ppm (my test kit only goes up to 5ppm) but I'm assuming its higher. I haven't started testing nitrates yet cause the nitrites have started coming down yet.

I honestly would say that its different for each and every system, it all depends on what you're running what you have in it and whether its been cured/cooked or not. Just keep testing every day and you should see the parameters start to change soon enough.


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Current Tank Info: 75gal AGA, reaction 4 canister filter with UV sterilizer, 80lbs live sand, 55lbs dry live pukani rock, 2 1300gph circulation pumps, aquamaxx HOB-1 skimmer, 216 watt T5 lights
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Unread 01/10/2012, 08:18 AM   #3
Jocko
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It doesn't matter how high it goes. I mean you can track it for curiosity sake, but the only thing that really matters is you hit zero across the board. To that end, I'd recommend getting that shrimp out of there.

Once you're at zero ammonia/nitrite/nitrate, consider adding your first livestock. I always start with a small cleanup crew. Then you watch for things to hit zero again. Then think about adding your first fish. Just make sure you're at zero before you add anything new. And never add too much livestock at once. In that way, the bacteria population will grow slowly along with your system and remain stable. It won't be spiking up and down due to the shrimp creating abnormal conditions in your tank.


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Unread 01/10/2012, 08:21 AM   #4
Jocko
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Oh geez I can't believe I double posted! LOL.


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Unread 01/10/2012, 08:31 AM   #5
rogermccray
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I would keep the shrimp in as it gives you the required ammonia to make the cycle start. With such a small amount of LR you will have very little die off so you need the shrimp to get the ammonia. Also having the shrimp in their guarantees that you get enough ammonia to have fully cycled.


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