getting rock ready for the DT :)

[codydemmel4]

Okay so I finally was able to do the acid bath and everything went very well and I am happy I did that as now I know there is nothing harmful and I am starting from scratch. After I wash the rock very well from the acid bath, let it soak in water and dry outside for a couple days. I want to start the cycle for getting the rock ready for my 180g DT. I will be doing this in a 45 gallon brute trash can with a heater and powerhead.

Do I test the water for phosphates, nitrates, alk, calc and mag or only phosphates and nitrates? Also how often do I test the water and should I do any water changes?

The big concern I have is, I will be cycling the rocks in Washington DC but my DT is back in PA. I will be moving the rocks after they are cycled to my tank which is in PA, would the rocks be okay for the 3-4 hour drive without water or will they die? I want to have them wrapped in soaking wet towels but I do not know if this will be enough.

[Ah64av8tor]

They will be fine ..... You may have a reduction in denitrification ability because the rocks are exposed to oxygen rich air. If you are using store bought bacteria for your cycle then save some and add to your DT on startup.

[codydemmel4]

Originally Posted by Ah64av8tor

They will be fine ..... You may have a reduction in denitrification ability because the rocks are exposed to oxygen rich air. If you are using store bought bacteria for your cycle then save some and add to your DT on startup.

Thanks! I was just going to add a shrimp and start the cycle that way unless store bought will speed it up

[Ah64av8tor]

Originally Posted by codydemmel4

Thanks! I was just going to add a shrimp and start the cycle that way unless store bought will speed it up

I have done it all the ways that have been tried, I do like the long curring of live rock with no fish for months best. But if you don't have time (or can't wait) buy far the bottle of bacteria has been the fastest. IMHO. I have set up tanks from scratch with it and added several fish within days having no ill effects.

Don't be afraid if you get a big bloom and milky water it will go away fast enough!

[codydemmel4]

Originally Posted by Ah64av8tor

I have done it all the ways that have been tried, I do like the long curring of live rock with no fish for months best. But if you don't have time (or can't wait) buy far the bottle of bacteria has been the fastest. IMHO. I have set up tanks from scratch with it and added several fish within days having no ill effects.

Don't be afraid if you get a big bloom and milky water it will go away fast enough!

thanks man.

so I see a lot about Dr. Tims, is this what you used and would suggest to use? I still need to do some more information on when to add the ammonia after I add the bacteria

https://store.drtimsaquatics.com/One...aria_p_96.html

https://store.drtimsaquatics.com/Amm...tle_p_399.html