LR and Cycling---

Discussion in 'Live Rock' started by pez blanco, Aug 9, 2012.

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  1. pez blanco

    pez blanco Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2009
    Messages:
    159
    Location:
    Vernon, Okanagan Canada
    It's been a while since I've had to cycle a tank but am now getting a friend into the hobby and wanted to know if it is ok to have your tank fully aquascaped with LR (some containing mushrooms) during the cycling, or should one just have some LR and wait until it fully nitrogen cycles? He is already using live sand.

    Thanks
     
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  3. jlongwell

    jlongwell Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2012
    Messages:
    188
    Location:
    Kent, Ohio
    I would do a full aquascape. Adding additional live rock (not base/dry rock) after the initial cycle will only cause a mini-cycle or prolong the entire process. Many of the mushrooms will likely survive the cycle anyway - they're pretty hard to kill.
     
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
    Messages:
    4,874
    Location:
    USA
    +1

    It's best to have all the rock in place during the cycle so that everything can cure at the same time. If one wanted to add live rock after the tank cycles, it would need to be fully cured (expensive) or cured in a separate container before adding it to the DT to prevent an ammonia spike.

    Keep in mind that with live sand and rock, the cycle may be shorter as you are adding the beneficial bacteria. It's even possible that you may not see an ammonia spike at all.