Cycling

[The Rugger]

Hello folks,

I am about to take on my first load of LR in the next 10 - 14 days. I am not cycled yet. I have heard the idea of starting to cycle with a raw shrimp. Would it be advantageous for me to start cycling by to going this route before receiving cured LR?

[Fatman]

Actually I think the dead stuff that will fall off the LR (cured or not) will help in the cycling, so I dont think its a big deal and you should bring it along.

[davejnz]

No,no need for dead shrimp.Turn off the lights,crank up the flow in your tank and allow things to cycle for a week or 2.When ammo,nitrite levels fall,you can turn the lights back on.Then you can start doing waterchanges and useing carbon to help remove all that die-off/nutrients that will fuel algae growth.Afterwards,add your cleanup crew(snails,crabs,etcc.) and let your tank mature for a couple months before you start
adding fish.

[The Rugger]

I do appreciate the insight. I apologize for the remedial questions. I don't have any friends involved in reef keeping to pester.

Thanks.