Cycling a Tank with Uncooked (dead) Shrimp
- Thread starter pcurry18
- Start date
shiveley
Active member
I've heard that a few times, but it seems unnecessary. the live rock in your tank should be supplying all the bacteria you need... I don't see how you would benefit from the addition of decaying seafood. I'd just stick with what you've got and let nature run it's course.
what made you think that you needed to do this in the first place? what's going on with your tank that you would want try something like this? if anything, you might just want to ask someone here for a cup or two of 'mature' live sand from their tank and add that to yours. that might give you the boost you're looking for.
what made you think that you needed to do this in the first place? what's going on with your tank that you would want try something like this? if anything, you might just want to ask someone here for a cup or two of 'mature' live sand from their tank and add that to yours. that might give you the boost you're looking for.
well from what i have read, i gathered it would be a beneficial bacteria boost for the tank if i used the dead shrimp. I used some sand from my MT and water. The live rock was well cured. The articles i have read stated its a good thing to do even if you already have LR in there. Im sure this topic can be debated both ways but i just wanted to see what you all would think about it.
I cannot understand why this outdated practice is still suggested by anyone. Dead shellfish meat will very quickly rot and release all sorts of nasties you do not want in your water. Spiking your ammonia that high is a real good way to kill off all the beneficial living creatures on your live rock. You already have PLENTY of beneficial bacteria on your live rock.
The only reason I could understand doing this would be to seed a filter with sterile substrate like bio-balls in preparation for animals. Even in that case it would be much simpler, and likely quicker, to add a small known amount of ammonium chloride (rather than an unregulated and massive influx of ammonia) than to use a decaying prawn.
My 2 cents.
The only reason I could understand doing this would be to seed a filter with sterile substrate like bio-balls in preparation for animals. Even in that case it would be much simpler, and likely quicker, to add a small known amount of ammonium chloride (rather than an unregulated and massive influx of ammonia) than to use a decaying prawn.
My 2 cents.
Justin74
New member
I could only see something like this if you were using freshly made rock, or dry reef bones and base rock, even then it wouldnt be necessary if you added LS.
But then again Ive heard worse, like the guy who stood up on his tank and ..... you know :rolleye1:
Could always dose a shot of phyto too to beef up the nutrients, that way the fauna has something to munch and spread, and what doesnt get used up will vamp up the joo joo you need, I'd think, I did it but have no bases of measuring the results, although I was surprised how quickly my 30g started up, much faster than the 50. Coulda been just good rock and a deep sandbed for all I know though.
-Justin
But then again Ive heard worse, like the guy who stood up on his tank and ..... you know :rolleye1:
Could always dose a shot of phyto too to beef up the nutrients, that way the fauna has something to munch and spread, and what doesnt get used up will vamp up the joo joo you need, I'd think, I did it but have no bases of measuring the results, although I was surprised how quickly my 30g started up, much faster than the 50. Coulda been just good rock and a deep sandbed for all I know though.
-Justin
Underwaterparadise
New member
THANK YOU!
That LR you have is fully cured and has been tanked with liverock from a 10 year old tank. There is more bacteria then you will ever need. Adding dead shrimp will only pollute the tank and possibly start a cycle that would otherwise never happen.
Ok its settled...No shrimp then lol. I learned many years ago to seek advise and not to believe everything you read. I know the LR i got is good and cured...i bought some and pulled some from my MT. Half the LS i have in there is from my MT. So i will forgoe my little experiment lol. I guess it would be more practical for a FO tank. Thanks for the inputs.
Paul
Paul
