Is it possible to jumpstart your cycle like it is in FW?

TheORKINMan · 11/03/2006, 09:58 AM

I know in FW if you add BIO Spira or some bacteria from an already cycled tank you can go through the cycle in a few days up to a week depending on the size of the tank and the amount of bacteria. Is it possible to do this in SW also?

Amphiprion · 11/03/2006, 10:00 AM

Yes. Most hobbyists use live rock and the associated die off as a means of jumpstarting the cycle.

sharky_steve · 11/03/2006, 10:01 AM

Absolutely! You can do this by adding a couple of scoops of sand from a cycled tank, as well as live rock. Bottled preparations are available for saltwater, but a waste of money IMO.

kiknchikn · 11/03/2006, 10:01 AM

You can jump start it with fully cured live rock or live sand. There are bottled bacteria solutions out there, but I've never heard anything good about them.

Sk8r · 11/03/2006, 10:21 AM

You should have 1-2 lbs of live rock per gallon. This is your filtration system. You should not have a mechanical filter unless you are FOWLR. [fish-only]

11/03/2006, 09:58 AM	#1
TheORKINMan Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 423	Is it possible to jumpstart your cycle like it is in FW? I know in FW if you add BIO Spira or some bacteria from an already cycled tank you can go through the cycle in a few days up to a week depending on the size of the tank and the amount of bacteria. Is it possible to do this in SW also?

11/03/2006, 10:00 AM	#2
Amphiprion Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 6,611	Yes. Most hobbyists use live rock and the associated die off as a means of jumpstarting the cycle. __________________ You've done it now, haven't you? Current Tank Info: 40g breeder patch reef w/ seagrass; 2-250w XM 10K; Vortech MP40wES & MP10wES; BM Curve 7 skimmer; carbon & occasional GFO

11/03/2006, 10:01 AM	#4
kiknchikn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bel Air, MD Posts: 1,556	You can jump start it with fully cured live rock or live sand. There are bottled bacteria solutions out there, but I've never heard anything good about them. __________________ I am a proud member of the Chesapeake Marine Aquaria Society (CMAS). If you're in the Maryland area check us out! Current Tank Info: 30g nano reef

11/03/2006, 10:21 AM	#5
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	You should have 1-2 lbs of live rock per gallon. This is your filtration system. You should not have a mechanical filter unless you are FOWLR. [fish-only] __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

11/03/2006, 10:01 AM	#3
sharky_steve Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 129	Absolutely! You can do this by adding a couple of scoops of sand from a cycled tank, as well as live rock. Bottled preparations are available for saltwater, but a waste of money IMO.