Ammonia question

[stangd1909]

Make sure to cycle it in a different bucket. The die off might cause another mini cycle.

Do I just put some of my tank water in a bucket and throw the LR in, or do i make a batch of new salt water for the rocks?

Thanks

 

[duncantse]

It doesn't really matter. Just get a powerhead and heater in the bucket.

 

[Percula9]

Just buy live rock that is cured and you can put it in your tank. When you go to the fish store smell the rock all around. It should have a clean smell. Look for rock that also has some coralline algae on it.

 

[Rocdoc]

Just buy live rock that is cured and you can put it in your tank. When you go to the fish store smell the rock all around. It should have a clean smell. Look for rock that also has some coralline algae on it.

+1. If you're only adding a small amount of LR, you should be able to find enough decent pieces at your LFS to add cured stuff. If it smells like rotten eggs, it is not cured. If the LFS has had it in their tank for several weeks and it smells fresh like the ocean, it is likely cured and assuming you can get it home and into your water quickly, you will likely avoid another cycle.

If you are close to the LFS, you can by a few pounds at a time and add them slowly over the next several weeks. That way, even if you have a little die off, you don't overwhelm your system.

And before you take it home with you, scan it thoroughly for nuisances like Aiptasia and Majano anenomes. You don't want to let those into your tank as it's tough to get rid of.