Shrimp for cycle

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by Midnight_Madman, May 28, 2010.

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  1. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    you actually got it for %20 percent of its retail value
     
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  3. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    I know I got a killer deal on the price, but I just don't know if the benefits outweigh the negatives now.
     
  4. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    My ammonia is on its way down. Its about .5 now compared to the 1.5 it was a couple days ago.
    Once my parameters are all in check when should I do the first water change? And do I do 15-20% ?
     
  5. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    sure it's important to keep you water clean so the anems don't have food. use your skimmer if you have it
     
  6. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    Should I fire my skimmer up now?
    Im assuming theres a ton of die off from the 90lbs of rock.
     
  7. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    I'm sure alot of people would probably disagree with me but I would say sure go ahead. Most bacteria is attached to surfaces and not in the water column so it won't remove it. The only possible way it could extend a cycle is if it removes decomposing waste thus lowering the ammonia level(but personally I don't believe that matters since the skimmer will be running normally anyway, and bacteria only grows to amount of available food).

    (most people around me usually run there skimmers when cycling with live rock due to the die off).
     
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  9. blackraven1425

    blackraven1425 Giant Squid

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    The skimmer needs to build up the slime coating anyway, so I'd say go for it too. It won't be active for a few days to a couple weeks.
     
  10. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    Should I leave my pre-filter in my overflow? Thats the only mechanical filtration in the tank.
     
  11. blackraven1425

    blackraven1425 Giant Squid

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    Well, a mechanical filter keeps your overflow from clogging too badly, so I'd guess you'd want to keep it.
     
  12. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    1/8" of dark green water already in the cup