Cycling - The Shrimp

[Djbetterly]

So I've been cycling my new tank for 11 days now, on day one, I threw a shrimp in there, just as I did with the first tank I cycled. So for the first 10 days, I was out of town so I wasn't able to check any numbers.

One thing that I did find odd is that the shrimp was completely gone, only the hard tail was left. This didn't happen last time. Any idea why? Is that a good thing?

As far as numbers go, here is what I've tested so far.

Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 5
Nitrate - 10

Seeing as it was a long time ago that I cycled my previous tank, I assume I have to wait to see an ammonia spike, correct?

 

[evolution21]

Ammonia should be the first thing to spike....seems like you are already passed the ammonia phase of cycling

 

[Djbetterly]

Seems fast no?

Is that common?

 

[evolution21]

Not sure what's in your tank.....I have a 110 with a 30 gallon sump....I started with 150lb of live rock that came from a 5yr old established tank, 150lb of live sand.....I had fish in their by week 2 and never looked back.......maybe someone else might want give their opinion.....what worked for me might not work for you

 

[Djbetterly]

I started with dry rock, Tropic Eden Reeflakes Aragonite Sand, and 10lbs of garf grunge original from garf.org. So maybe the garf grunge really did help with the cycling. I read a lot of awesome reviews about it.

 

[Nandez13]

How many pounds of dry rock were you curing and how long had it been dry for?

If your ammonia levels are 0 but your nitrite levels are positive, then I'm guessing the first phase of the cycle is over. What brand of testing kits are you using?

I cured about 15-20 lbs of dry rock in a bin for my nano tank. I was expecting it to take closer to 6-8 wks since it was dry rock but it only took 2 wks to complete the cycle. I was able to add it to an active tank without any problems.

 

[andylee]

If nitrite is already up, then I also think you were away for the ammonia spike. The fact that the shrimp is gone already also suggests that something (the grunge?) accelerated the process. Regardless, just keep testing every few days and you'll know.

 

[KathyC]

Since you have been patient so far, it might be in your best interest to put a capful of pure ammonia in the tank and see how fast the bacteria (which you would have if a cycle did in fact take place) spikes the nitrite and then the nitrate.
Odd that only the shrimp tail was left, typically they crumble and make a mess in the tank..not vanish entirely.
Could you have received a critter in the grunge stuff?
Also - don't forget that the bacteria needs to eat to stay alive, so be sure to add a tiny pinch of food every couple of days so they don't die off.

 

[Djbetterly]

That's an interesting idea, where do I find the appropriate ammonia? How long should it take to convert through the process in a well cycled tank?

As far as the shrimp goes I put it into a small filter media bag to prevent it from making a mess.

I have been throwing a pinch of food in every days.

 

[Moneymaks24]

Just buy "pure ammonia"at a grocery store for 99c and add a lil bit ( I used half cap full for my 34 gallon. Within 24 hrs or less ur ammonia should be 0 then ur good to start stocking fish etc ...

 

[KathyC]

That's an interesting idea, where do I find the appropriate ammonia? How long should it take to convert through the process in a well cycled tank?

As far as the shrimp goes I put it into a small filter media bag to prevent it from making a mess.

I have been throwing a pinch of food in every days.

The supermarket would have it. Make sure it says 'pure' and is not scented or has any color to it.
After you add it and test to see that it has raised the level, it should drop back down within a day or 2. Do test to watch the progress.


What size is the tank ? If it's a nano, you would only want to use half that amount.