When to add det kit?

[annette34429]

I'd like to order a detrivore kit for my new tank, but am unsure as to when it is safe, or at least fairly safe, to add these animals (no fish in system at this time). New set up with DSB (5-6"), some live sand bacteria only) and some live rock curing on sand bed. NH3 readings are still very high as expected. Would like to get critters "working" on the sand but am afraid of NH3 level. Also, afraid if I wait too long the sand will start to clump. Should I be concerned? Any recommendations as to timing?
Annette

 

[Anonymous]

If Ammonia is high you should do water changes so you don't kill the critters in your rock.

Add the detrivore kit after ammonia has been consistently zero for a week or so IMO.

 

[annette34429]

I was elsewhere advised not to do waterchanges during initial cycling.
Would you comment, please?

 

[Anonymous]

In my experience if you allow Ammonia to climb high it will start to kill the more delicate hitchhikers and residents of your live rock. You'll be left with rock that is prone to hair algae and it will not function as well for filtration.

When I cycle a new tank I do water changes whenever ammonia gets above 0.5ppm. That might be overkill but I really enjoy my hitchhikers. At minimum I'd suggest large water changes whenever ammonia gets above 1.0 ppm, after that critters will start to die. Once they start to die their dead bodies will add to the ammonia level and it will skyrocket. This will extend your cycle time and you'll have a less healthy tank in the long run in my opinion.

 

[Meloco14]

I agree, I do water changes when I cycle, usually once a week at the beginning, and slowing down as the cycle slows down. At the moment I can't think of any reason why not to (other than it's not ABSOLUTELY necessary and it will save you a few bucks on the salt water). But in the long run I think it would be better if you do a couple water changes, to keep any critters alive. I also think it helps speed up the cycle, as you can suck up all the chunks of garbage that may have died off of your live rock. A lot of people even run their protein skimmers during the cycle to improve water conditions. Remember, even though you havent stocked the tank yet, there are animals in there. Don't worry about the sand clumping, that doesnt happen unless it sits for a long, long time. The tendency with new reefers is to worry about algae and other things in the tank and then add clean up kits too soon. In reality, if you were the opposite, (lazy and a procrastinator like me ), and waited an extra few weeks to add snails, crabs, etc., you would be much better off. Btw, you mention you were advised not to do water changes during the cycle. Did this source mention a reason for this? Just curious. HTH

 

[annette34429]

I believe the reason was that it 'would prolong the cycle', if my memory serves. Well, thank you for your replies, I'm off to get the bucket and hoses. I, too, like the hitchhiker's and would like to preserve them. I can wait weeks on the det kit, no problem. Though not really in my nature I WILL be patient. Just can't keep my hands out of the tank.

 

[Anonymous]

Agree with water changes to keep ammonia at a lower level.

Just figured you'd want a few opinions