Cycling Tank With Live Rock..?

[a7xsynx42]

Can I cycle my tank by just placing my live rock in the saltwater? And should I have my HOB filter running too?

 

[rabbut]

Live rock will cycle once added to the tank, yes, as some of the "live" stuff on it will have died in transit. This will break down into ammonia to feed the remaining "live" stuff untill you have zero ammonia, nitrite and gradually decreasing nitrate Whether you want your HOB filter running during this depends upon how you are running the tank. Flow pumps in the tank itself are more important, or your live rock will become dead rock If your HOB is to be running as a bio-filter allong side the live rock (which isn't generaly advisable as they become nitrate factories easily in this type of set-up) then it needs to be added with the rock. If you are using it as a chemical and mechanical filter (recomended) then it is only needed after the cycle and large waterchange, just prior to fish, and even then it isn't essential

To summarise, Flow in the tank (10X turnover an hour minimum) is more important in most cases than the mechanical and chemical filters running during the cycle.

HTH
Rabbut

 

[a7xsynx42]

To summarise, Flow in the tank (10X turnover an hour minimum) is more important in most cases than the mechanical and chemical filters running during the cycle.

HTH
Rabbut

So if I have a 50gal. I would want at least 500 gph right? Thanks for the help!

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Yep thats correct. Best to use a couple of powerheads (at least) to do it for better circulation and as a backup in case one fails.

You can still use the HOB as well. Personally I dont agree with the regular thinking that external filtration (such as canister filters, etc) causes nitrates. If you think about it whatever goes into the filter comes from the tank so if the filter wasnt there it would still be the same. Just make sure you keep the media cleaned regularly. Personally I would take out any bio media as your LR covers this and just use foam pads (washed every couple of weeks) and chemical media (phosphate/nitrate removers).