live rock cycle question

[mcguy75]

I am a newbie to this wonderful hobby and like most need some help.

I Hope that I am in the right spot if not feel free to redirect to the proper forum. Over 1.5months ago I set up a 44 gal tank with heater and over the side filter and a turbine type impeller to help the water flow. It has one 50/50 15 watt light and on 15 watt atinic for 8 hrs per day. I placed about 5lb of live rock and one damsel to get it started. I noticed the ammonia go up and back down but never actually saw the Nitrate or Nitrites go up and down. I believe this was cuz I tested ever 4-5 days.

The other day i recieved 45 lbs of live rock from online sourse and placed it in the tank after a soft scrub in saltwater. the rock smelled poor and the ammonia has spiked to 8ppm. I am really nerviuos about that level. I did a partion water change and will do again in another day. I looked at the rock and some of the black stuff is starting to peel off. Should i let it run its course or should I remove it and clean more of it off?

thanks in advance
Mike

[bertoni]

To Reef Central

Moved to New to the Hobby for more views.

I would remove as much of the organic debris as possible, if it's in large chunks. You could let it sit, though. The tank might take longer to clear up, though.