Cycling with LR

[omoreno]

Bought 10lbs of LR(plan on a total of about 40-50 lbs) yesterday to start cycling my 55gal tank. The color on the rock is purple to pinkish orange I have 40lbs of live sand with 15 lbs base sand (2" - 3" of sand on bottom). I have 2 MaxiJets 1200 PHs. Also have an Emporer 400. The tank also has a recessed hood with 2 x 24" flourescent lights(they came with the hood). I plan on starting with a few fish and maybe a cleaner crew once tank gets cycled and not get into soft corals until a good long while(need to learn more and research). I also plan on upgrading light and adding a skimmer when funds become available. Not in any hurry to add fish just want to make sure I am on the right track. Input is greatly appreciated. BTW, my tank smells a little funny, is this normal during the tank cycle or did I do something wrong. 1 day after introducing LR I have notice my ammonia spike. I know something is going on :shock:

Question: Do I run the lights anytime during the cycle?



Thanks.

[beareef19]

If you bought it from Aquatic Warehouse it will need to cycle for awhile. There was alot of die off on it, yes your amm will spike with this rock and it does smell :twisted: but it is a good looking rock. I bought 10 lbs. and currently cycling in seperate bucket.

[matt]

I would run the lights, although others might say no. The reason I would do it is because some of the stuff on your rock needs light to survive, and you want as much stuff to survive as is possible. A drawback, though, is that during your cylce you'll be producing all sorts of dissolved nutrients, and light during this time could spark a nasty algae bloom. My suggestion is to change water frequently during the cycle, again with the idea of minimizing the ammonia spike and preserving as much life on the rock as you can. If you have a skimmer, I'd get it going as well. The less ammonia you let build up in your system, the less die off you'll have and the less build up of nitrate after the cycle.

[Tim Marvin]

I'd run the lights also.

[Instar]

I agree with Matt and Tim.

[georgeortiz]

So what length of time would you guys suggest running the lights on the tank for?

[Isis]

A normal day light cycle...I run mine for 14 hours I believe. It is all up to you. Set it on a timer.