cycle time

[jc]

I just set up a 34g solana with new sand and 40lbs of live rock. I got the rock from cpreefguy and he told me he had it in a bucket for 3 years. I've been checking the ammonia and nitrite and I have yet to see any. Could it be the rock has so little die off that the tank is cycled?

[Daniel]

It's not cycled yet. There is still your water that needs nitrifying bacteria and the surfaces of the tank and sand.

[jpond83]

was the rock dry? i dont think the rock would be live after sitting in a bucket for 3 years

[gjuarez]

You need to get the cycle started, that might be the reason why you are not seeing any amonia. Throw in a shrimp and let it rot, that should help.

[Bill S]

Yeah, you need to start the cycle some how. Recycled beer works too.

[jc]

The rock was in water. He mentioned changing the water and keeping it circulated. It has stuff growing on it. Filaments of some kind are still attached and I've seen one tiny feather duster.