New setup w/dry rock/ negative space buildout - best way to cycle

Reefrock · 09/12/2020, 03:37 PM

Hello

I am getting back into the hobby after 10yr hiatus. I am setting up a 90gl building my own NSA aquascape with dry rock recently bleached and ready to go. One I have been aquascape installed in the tank, what is the best suggestion to cycle? Looking at adding a fish ..or using Caribsea Arag Alive..or should I add small amount of sand from someone’s established tank (might bring problems)...trying to decide..I bleached all my rock that I obtained elsewhere to be sure it was trouble free...

Any suggestions are much appreciated..thanks

MarAquatic · 09/12/2020, 04:17 PM

I would add a piece of live rock from a trusted tank then add turbo start

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Vinny Kreyling · 09/12/2020, 04:56 PM

To cycle add a fresh shrimp or a small amount flake food to start it.

CrazeUK · 09/12/2020, 05:18 PM

I tend to ghost feed the tank with flake crushed up flake, on top of the kite rock.

Also, if you know someone local with a tank with external filter, I would take some of the rock in a bucket with water, then get a squeeze of their media.

The thing I would miss with bleached rock is all the little life that comes on lr. Feather worms etc.

Borrowing or swapping some ls is also good.

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CrazeUK · 09/12/2020, 05:19 PM

Problem with using someone else's lr and sand, you will end up introducing bristle worms etc.. which I do believe have a place in the eco system. Personally I hate them.

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09/12/2020, 03:37 PM	#1
Reefrock Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 232	New setup w/dry rock/ negative space buildout - best way to cycle Hello I am getting back into the hobby after 10yr hiatus. I am setting up a 90gl building my own NSA aquascape with dry rock recently bleached and ready to go. One I have been aquascape installed in the tank, what is the best suggestion to cycle? Looking at adding a fish ..or using Caribsea Arag Alive..or should I add small amount of sand from someone’s established tank (might bring problems)...trying to decide..I bleached all my rock that I obtained elsewhere to be sure it was trouble free... Any suggestions are much appreciated..thanks

09/12/2020, 04:56 PM	#3
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	To cycle add a fresh shrimp or a small amount flake food to start it. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

09/12/2020, 04:17 PM	#2
MarAquatic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 689	I would add a piece of live rock from a trusted tank then add turbo start Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

09/12/2020, 05:18 PM	#4
CrazeUK Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 54	I tend to ghost feed the tank with flake crushed up flake, on top of the kite rock. Also, if you know someone local with a tank with external filter, I would take some of the rock in a bucket with water, then get a squeeze of their media. The thing I would miss with bleached rock is all the little life that comes on lr. Feather worms etc. Borrowing or swapping some ls is also good. Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

09/12/2020, 05:19 PM	#5
CrazeUK Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 54	Problem with using someone else's lr and sand, you will end up introducing bristle worms etc.. which I do believe have a place in the eco system. Personally I hate them. Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk