Cycling for Saltwater?

[Pazzoman]

Hey Everyone, last time I got into saltwater years back I simply purchased bags of live sand that read "Instant Cycle" and of coarse I simply added fish the same day! Well after years of experience especially in freshwater I know cycling is a very important part of setting up a fish tank. I already purchased bottles of ammonia to add to the tank to start the cycle. Just wanted to know what do you guys do? Should I add dry rock and sand than start the process of cycling with ammonia? Should the skimmer be on during cycling?

Any ways to speed up the cycling process (I heard using sand/rocks from established tanks however wouldn't they die off once I start dosing ammonia?)

 

[cmantis]

That live sand is kinda a marketing gimmick. Certainly using live rock speeds things up considerably. For my new tank I already have it pre-cycling in a garbage container. The rock will seed the sand or if starting dry adding a scoop of live sand or rock from an established tank will help. I always throw a raw shrimp in the tank for ammonia or pinch of food if starting fresh. A product called special blend or similar can also help seed the tank.

 

[Pazzoman]

Ok thanks Cmantis will probably do the idea of taking some sand or rocks from an established tank.