Cycling

[DLR74]

Hello everyone! I have a question about cycling my new tank. First a little description of what I have going. Here we go it is a 2 gallon with a hob filter filled with ceramic rings and sponge with a small bag of carbon. Lighting is a AI nano Blue. I currently have 1.5 lb of dry rock that I found on the beach and boiled with RO water and white vinegar. I have already threw in a piece of raw shrimp and removed after 48 hours. My question is will my tank cycle with all dry rock and no sand which I plan on adding this weekend. Should I buy dry or live sand for this? Thanks all!

 

[goma]

Yes your tank will cycle with all dry rock, especially with adding the shrimp.

 

[DLR74]

Thanks for the quick reply! Do you think 48 hours was long enough to keep the shrimp in there?

 

[saltfan]

usually ya leave them in until they disappear but that might take awhile in a tank that small, I myself would have left it a bit longer. I would go with the live sand.

 

[DianaKay]

Ditto, leaving it in there to help cycle your tank properly. Are you testing your ammonia & nitrites everyday?
Either sand will work but my choice would be dry so that I could RINSE IT VERY WELL so the water doesn't stay clouded for a long time.

 

[goma]

The typical cycle:

 

[Steve L]

Even though you boiled your rocks there will be residual organic material on them that will replace the shrimp. Even cooked, the little critters that lived on the rock will decompose and create amonia.

Just give it some time.

 

[AquaFXdotnet]

What steve said. @goma love that cycling picture!