Confused About Sand Package

[Random Aquarist]

Alright, so I'm reconsidering buying from IPSF. I get both an amphipod kit, live mud (detrivore kit), and more for nearly half the price of a mysis/amphipod kit and a detrivore kit from Inland Aquatics. However, something sounds fishy to me (pun intended).

Their package includes livesand, livemud, liquid-nitrate-reducer, and amphipods. If this package is made to kickstart the nitrogen process (cycling), why would they include invertebrates? Wouldn't the amphipods die from the nitrates?

 

[ludnix]

That doesn't sound like the purpose is to get the nitrogen cycle going. It sounds more like it's to get a sufficient bacteria base to begin filtering with. Combining that with the nitrate reducer I don't see why there would be a big issue with the amphipods.

 

[demonsp]

Adding any stock only extends the cycle. I wouldnt try and jump start the cycle. #1 rule in SW in patiants. I added all fully cured LR and all LS and never really saw any big cycle but i still waited.It what you cant see that matters. Its the benificial bacteria that you cant see that really matter.They need a little time to grow and mature and multiply. ITs all about control and balance and the more you have the better.I researched and read and thought out my complete tank for weeks before i even bought my tank. Take your time and plan for less trouble and happier healthier eco system or rush in without facts means you will be in here alot.
Your best start is the first link and the 2'nd link helps understand the cycle.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Marine-Aq...bs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205050392&sr=1-1

http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/bionitrogencycle/a/aa073199.htm

 

[Random Aquarist]

Well, it's been 3-4 months since I added my home-cured LR and livesand to my tank, and my nitrates are still high. I'm planning on buying some cured LR rubble at the LFS tomorrow. Hopefully that addition will bump up the cycling a bit more.

 

[demonsp]

4 month tank should have stock and no cycle.If you have nitrates then its not a cycle. Ammonia spikes is a cycle.
Without more of your tank specs its just guessing. In your profile and now add.
Amount of LR andtype of substrate?
All equipment used from lights to powerheads to anything?
Water source?
Water change scedule and amount?

 

[Random Aquarist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12317016#post12317016 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by demonsp
4 month tank should have stock and no cycle.If you have nitrates then its not a cycle. Ammonia spikes is a cycle.
Without more of your tank specs its just guessing. In your profile and now add.
Amount of LR andtype of substrate?
All equipment used from lights to powerheads to anything?
Water source?
Water change scedule and amount?

120 lbs LR, Arag-Alive Fiji Pink substrate (1")
Lighting: 2x 250W MH bulbs, 4 actinic, 4 moonlight LED's
2 Jager heaters
Mag-Drive 1200 circulation pump
Tunze 6010 Stream
Aquaclear powerhead (forgot which model)
water source: RODI and SW from LFS
no water changes (no changes during cycling, right?)
water top-offs made when necessary (no noticable salinity swing)

 

[demonsp]

You say tanks 3 or 4 months old.You should have done a few water changes.
Add a few CUC like 5 hermits and a few margarites.Wait a week or two and add a fish or coral then wait and add a fish and coral then wait and add more CUC and you can add the ones you need without wasting money.
Pods will multiply on there own and you dont need to buy them.

Not sure on your flow. If your getting 1200 gph through your sump then your wasteing its purpose.

 

[Random Aquarist]

So I should add inverts even if the water has high nitrates + detectable nitrites?

What would keep them from dying?

Why is 1200gph wasting my sump?

 

[demonsp]

Hoe many days has this tank been running undisturbed?

 

[spleen93]

Ampihipods are hardy. They can survive a lot including live rock cooking. They should be able to handle the cycle (or any remaining cycle that you have though not sure why you still have detectable nitrites this far into the tank)

 

[Random Aquarist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12317323#post12317323 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by demonsp
Hoe many days has this tank been running undisturbed?

Undisturbed? I re-aquascaped a couple days ago. Is that disturbing it?