Additional Live Rock Question

[tryptal]

Hi,

My Nano 24 is about 4 months old and doing well. I was thinking of adding another 2 or 3 pounds of live rock to one side that seemed a little bare.

Since the piece I'm thinking of is about 7" x 3.5" - (small piece)- Do I still need to cycle that rock in a bucket, before adding to an established tank?

I think I read somewhere that if you add to an established tank you don't need to cycle-

Thanks!
TryP

 

[Shane Hoffman]

You may have a mini cycle in your tank....I would so much look at the size of the rock as I would the comparison to the amount of rock you have. If you only have 15lbs of rock in your 14 gallon biocube 3 pounds would be an additional 20% of rock. That is quite a bit. I have a 150 gallon with 200lbs of rock...that would be like me adding 40lbs....yes I would anticipate atleast a slight amonia spike pending on how much die off you have. Also there are other variables....how does it smell...how long will it be out of the water before you bring it home...etc...

In the end I would personally put it in if it doesnt smell bad but watch my tank very very close....and be prepared to do a 25% water change if your amonia spikes in the first 48 hours. I believe in a tank that small if you dont have any amonia spike in 48 hours your not going to have any...

 

[Shane Hoffman]

Should say ......I "wouldnt" after the letter I above^^^^