Live rock in a new tank

[the great]

Just set up a new 55gal. and currently cycling it now. Do I have to wait for a while to add LR, or will it help with the cycling process?
Anyone have a good link to a cycling thread?

 

[Michael]

no get it in now, providing the water is at the right salinity and up to temperature theres no reason why you cant add the live rock in now

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Dealing with the live rock is a major part of cycling a new tank, there's really no sense in trying to accomplish a cycle before adding it. When you put the rock in, you are introducing a ton of organic matter, a variety of life forms, and a big bacterial population.

 

[the great]

Should I be running the skimmer now also.
Skimmer has not been collecting much cause the water is pretty clean or it has to break in still.

 

[Michael]

definately yes, id get the skimmer running as well

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

With no live rock and no bioload on the tank, there won't be anything for the skimmer to collect. But yes, run it through the cycle - skim heavy for the first few days after you add live rock, as there will be a ton of waste in the system.

 

[WaterKeeper]

If the rock is curing then run the skimmer by all means. It was what skimmers live for.

LR contains all the beneficial bacteria the tank needs. Once placed in the tank the cycle has started, and with cured LR is pretty much complete. I do suggest some big water changes for awhile, say 25% every other day for the next week.

 

[the great]

Will the "cycle additives" stuff be helpful to add with the process. Right now I have just a few pieces of live rock and the rest will be base rock.
Good bacteria in a bottle is what I am refering to.

 

[WaterKeeper]

Forget the bottled bugs. They lack the diversity that the bacteria on LR supply and to me are just a waste of money.