Originally Posted by paddyob (Post 708184)

I will not offer any other experience since you don't require it.

If you read everything, I corrected myself soon after. And apologized.

Hope your research goes better than that. Lol.

A good cycle is 4-6 weeks by the way.

GOOD luck.

Originally Posted by Kirktimm (Post 708212)

what would u do if the that rock was in a tank crash.? wait the 6 weeks so i can start getten that good bacteria back into the live rock?

Originally Posted by paddyob (Post 708231)

The best thing is ensure you get a test kit.

A tank crash causes die off even on the rock.

Add your sand and rock. Let it sit 3/4 weeks and then test it. You want ALL tests of ammonia, nitrate, nitrite to come at zero. Any levels detectable mean you are cycling.

The good bacteria is still there, it's the die off that needs to "disappear" or become neutralized and removed by filters.

Personally I say 4 weeks. 6 in extreme cases. Just let it sit. Watch the tank go through the cycle. The remaining bacteria will populate again once the toxins are gone. Your live sand will HELP. As will water changes.

There are also bacteria cultures you can add.

Dont take me wrong. I just lay it out. No offense was meant. Just be patient and get through your cycle and the tank will prosper.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by tim the toolman (Post 708293)

In 6-8 weeks a livestock pic should hopefully only be a couple of fish tops.
They say the only thing that happens fast in this hobby is failure. Remember that we set up our systems to survive for many years. So waiting several weeks is just a drop in the bucket compared to the overall goal.
View your tank as a work of art and your fish as companions/pets and the time involved in their happiness will be well worth it.
Good luck with this set up by the way. Hope all goes well this time around.

Originally Posted by paddyob (Post 708231)

The best thing is ensure you get a test kit.

A tank crash causes die off even on the rock.

Add your sand and rock. Let it sit 3/4 weeks and then test it. You want ALL tests of ammonia, nitrate, nitrite to come at zero. Any levels detectable mean you are cycling.

The good bacteria is still there, it's the die off that needs to "disappear" or become neutralized and removed by filters.

Personally I say 4 weeks. 6 in extreme cases. Just let it sit. Watch the tank go through the cycle. The remaining bacteria will populate again once the toxins are gone. Your live sand will HELP. As will water changes.

There are also bacteria cultures you can add.

Dont take me wrong. I just lay it out. No offense was meant. Just be patient and get through your cycle and the tank will prosper.

Good luck.