water quality

[the dewd]

I have a 55 gallon tank w/ 50 pounds of LR, 40 pounds of LS, sump and protien skimmer. I have been running now for 2 weeks and still no amonia spike. All readings are normal. My LR was cured for 3 weeks prior to installation. My LFS said to put in some fish but still nothing. I had an algae bloom and countered with a small cleaning crew. Can I start putting coral in soon? Should I try to force the cycle further?

 

[Juck]

I always start a new tank with fully-cured LR and I've never encountered a cycle. I'd say you're good to go.

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah, chances are you won't see a cycle, or very much of one, anyway.

 

[Anonymous]

I disagree with my esteemed RDO'rs and would wait at least another week. The tank has only been up two weeks? Even if you don't get much of an ammonia spike or cycle you still have to wait for the bacteria to establish itself and if you overstock too quickly bad things can happen.

The fish and the cleanup crew add a bioload and bacteria only grows so fast. If you do decide to add corals, add them slowly. Patience is cheaper than fixing a problem or loosing fish and coral.

 

[Anonymous]

If you do decide to add corals, add them slowly.

Excellent advice.

 

[the dewd]

Sweet, thanx. Got a cleaner shrimp and 2 clams today. Tomarrow I want to get some bubble coral. Thats it till next payday. Any suggestions on hardy corals.