Hi folks. I am going to get TBS rock. I was just wondering. If I get my tank set up and ready to go and put some live sand in the tank to start a cycle BEFORE I add my live rock will it reduce the severity of the TBS rock induced cycle since there are already bacteria present to cope with some of the load? Or should I just bite the bullet, and do the bare bottom PITA massive water change thing? Just askin', no flames please.
sand in a TBS startup
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Do the package. Cannot go wrong. The sand is great, full of shell, and life forms. The package deal is also a cheaper way to go. The snails and hermits have made quick work of my algee and tank maintenance time is reduced to cleaning the skimmer cup and a weekly test of the water. Literally a instant reef. Takes all of the guess work out.
I was just looking for a way to ease the initial spike of ammonia when I did put my 'package' in my tank. Sounds like you guys are suggesting I just bite the bullet and do it just the way it is stated on the website. That is fine, I just wanted to see if there was an easier way.
boyooso
New member
Yeah, the cycle with the package thing is not much of a cycle, or at least it was a breeze in my case
To me it is a no brainer to go with the TBS 'package'. I think it is more of a system for a healthy tank... The rock and sand is almost instant filtration, and with very little die off, or problems because of the careful handling and great shipping methods.
Of course you are going to have a cycle, but the rock and sand has much bacteria built up already and just takes a small-medium cycle/spike to get going
Good Luck
To me it is a no brainer to go with the TBS 'package'. I think it is more of a system for a healthy tank... The rock and sand is almost instant filtration, and with very little die off, or problems because of the careful handling and great shipping methods.
Of course you are going to have a cycle, but the rock and sand has much bacteria built up already and just takes a small-medium cycle/spike to get going
Good Luck
Dexter1334
Premium Member
I tried to have mine "ready" by adding 40lbs of live sand, a pair of damsels and a large piece of live rock from the local fish store before the arrival of the first part of the package. The tank was set up for at least 6 weeks prior to the arrival of the package.
It didn't seem to make much difference. I still had a cycle. It only takes a couple of dead sponges to send the ammonia soaring. My cycle lasted about a week before leveling off. I don't think the prior attempt at cycling made much difference, even tho I let a shrimp rot away to nothing in the tank. (Even the damsels weren't interested. )
PS.
The damsels are still in the tank and doing well. I now have six green chromis. The LFS live rock is nice and porous, but after 4 months is still only showing traces of coralline.
It didn't seem to make much difference. I still had a cycle. It only takes a couple of dead sponges to send the ammonia soaring. My cycle lasted about a week before leveling off. I don't think the prior attempt at cycling made much difference, even tho I let a shrimp rot away to nothing in the tank. (Even the damsels weren't interested. )
PS.
The damsels are still in the tank and doing well. I now have six green chromis. The LFS live rock is nice and porous, but after 4 months is still only showing traces of coralline.
