Best way to cycle FO tank w/plenum

[Nocturnal]

getting ready to start my tank up. All I have left to do is my top later of live sand (1"). Is this enough to cycle my tank? Should I add damsels to help it along or is the sand enough? Do I feed it or just leave it alone? I am new to plenums/DSBs so be gentle :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

damsels are not necessary, and unless you like 'em, and plan on keeping 'em, are not advisable as a cycling method-all you need is a food source. :wink:

if you aren't going to be placing any lr in the tank, and will just be relying on the sb-either some fish food, a piece of shrimp, or even some pure ammonia will be enough to start and maintain the cycle.i think even just a few small pieces of rock would be a plus, though-the wider variety of bacteria introduced will probably help establish the tank more quickly, and stabely...

hth

 

[Terry McGee]

Small piece of shrimp about every other day. Test for nitrite , when there is no more nitrite tank is cycled. Keep the shrimp going in until you put some live stock in there and then discontinue the shrimp. Thats nitrite not nitrate to be tested. Take care Terry

 

[AgentSPS]

chop up that shrimp into fine chunks (do not use cooked shrimp) then evenly distribute underneath the sandbed. You should also try using a bacteria additive like Fritz #9...It will speed up the process.