Dry rock preparation

Yes, your cycle started. Take the bag out and test for ammonia, it will probably be very high. You can run some carbon to help with the smell while the ammonia gets broken down.

 

Should I perform a water change on this 12gal breeding ground soon, and if so, when? I added the dry rock, water, salt, and rod's on 5/21.

 

Thanks. Looks like I edited my post just after you quoted it...

 

I'll test for Ammonia now...its gotta be through the roof...

 

.5ppm not as high as I suspected

 

You have started the cycle, but you have to continue to feed the cycle. If you remove the food, you remove the ammonia source. You remove the ammonia source and your bacteria will starve. I wouldn't trust the amounts floating in the water to do much, personally. Your water may be cloudy from a bacteria bloom, because if it smells, you put too much in there.

 

I agree that I put too much in there. I'll drop some Ocean Nutrition Formula One Marine Pellets in there to keep feeding the bacteria. That won't smell as bad.