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the great
04/14/2009, 01:20 PM
Just set up a new 55gal. and currently cycling it now. Do I have to wait for a while to add LR, or will it help with the cycling process?
Anyone have a good link to a cycling thread?
Michael
04/14/2009, 01:21 PM
no get it in now, providing the water is at the right salinity and up to temperature theres no reason why you cant add the live rock in now
der_wille_zur_macht
04/14/2009, 01:27 PM
Dealing with the live rock is a major part of cycling a new tank, there's really no sense in trying to accomplish a cycle before adding it. When you put the rock in, you are introducing a ton of organic matter, a variety of life forms, and a big bacterial population.
the great
04/14/2009, 01:28 PM
Should I be running the skimmer now also.
Skimmer has not been collecting much cause the water is pretty clean or it has to break in still.
Michael
04/14/2009, 01:29 PM
definately yes, id get the skimmer running as well
der_wille_zur_macht
04/14/2009, 01:37 PM
With no live rock and no bioload on the tank, there won't be anything for the skimmer to collect. But yes, run it through the cycle - skim heavy for the first few days after you add live rock, as there will be a ton of waste in the system.
WaterKeeper
04/14/2009, 01:58 PM
If the rock is curing then run the skimmer by all means. It was what skimmers live for. :D

LR contains all the beneficial bacteria the tank needs. Once placed in the tank the cycle has started, and with cured LR is pretty much complete. I do suggest some big water changes for awhile, say 25% every other day for the next week.
the great
04/16/2009, 02:20 AM
Will the "cycle additives" stuff be helpful to add with the process. Right now I have just a few pieces of live rock and the rest will be base rock.
Good bacteria in a bottle is what I am refering to.
WaterKeeper
04/16/2009, 09:53 AM
Forget the bottled bugs. They lack the diversity that the bacteria on LR supply and to me are just a waste of money.