Pulling some rock from newly cycled reef tank

So I started my 40br with about 50# of BRS dry rock and loved the scape. I decided to go and get 15# of live rock to seed the dry stuff and kick start my cycle (raw table shrimp).

I am having a hard time getting the scape right now because I have too much rock. If I pulled the 15# of rock that I originally used to supplement the dry rock, would I hurt the bacteria colony? I am worried that the dry rock (hopefully live now) alone won't support the bio load and the tank my cycle again.

 

No you won't hurt any bacteria colonies, all you're going to do is reduce the surface area on which the bacteria will grow. Once you start adding life to the tank you will always increase the load. That's why most will tell you not to much to soon.

 

Agreed, you can 'cycle' a tank with BR.

Adding LR gives it a boost and usually introduces corrailine algae also.

 

The tank already cycled with a mix of live and dry. I'm just worried that if I remove some rock now it may cause a new cycle.

 

Shouldn't cause a cycle,you simply would lose some of your bacteria and as said would decrease the area for bacteria to live.Onother option would be to put it in your sump if you have the room for it there,in which case you would lose nothing and would have it to use in the display at another time if you ever choose to.

 

Okay thanks for all the info guys!!

 

sailorguy is one smart cookie!