Tank cycling

[burdman_22]

Ok, so I have had my LR in my tank for around 9 days now, and still no ammonia spike, so I am just wondering how long it usually takes. I am correct in thinking that the ammonia is the first thing that goes up am I not? The LR I bought from my LFS was in a really big tub, and there were powerheads and heaters in it, so I'm wondering if maybe it was already cured? If so does that mean I won't have a cycle? Thanks in advance.

 

[bertoni]

You probably won't see any ammonia in the tank. The live rock was fully cured when you got it. So I'd wait a few more days, to be sure, and then perhaps add a small crew of snails, and see how that goes.

 

[burdman_22]

What's everyone else's thoughts on this? I'd like to maybe add a couple snails today. Lol, just waiting to get the go ahead from a couple people on here. Also, what kinda snails should I get to start out with?

 

[WaterKeeper]

Snails it is. One of the advantages of getting LR from a LFS is that it is usually cured. It jump starts everything and you can pretty much add things in just a couple of days. Do monitor ammonia for awhile longer just to be sure.

I say start with Turbo's as they help with the algae that every new tank has a bout.

 

[burdman_22]

Ok, Turbo's it is, I feel honored to have a post from WaterKeeper on my thread, lol. How many though? And give me a couple alternatives just in case they dont have them. I dont actually even remember seeing snails at my LFS, lol.

 

[burdman_22]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9384573#post9384573 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by burdman_22
Ok, Turbo's it is, I feel honored to have a post from WaterKeeper on my thread, lol. How many though? And give me a couple alternatives just in case they dont have them. I dont actually even remember seeing snails at my LFS, lol.

Ok, going along with this, do I need to acclimate the snails, or can I just sorta put 'em in there?

 

[WaterKeeper]

Take your pick--

Grazing Snails Part I
More Snails

Snails don't really need to much acclimation. Just bring them up to temp and add them to the tank but just the snails, not the water.

 

[burdman_22]

Thanks alot.