Worth adding nitrifying bacteria?

I would say yes.

I dont think it matters the kind, it all works about the same IMO. But it does work

 

Dirty water also works real well if you have a friend that can give you some.

 

If you are moving the live rock from the 65 gallon to the 90 gallon, you probably don't need to take the water with you from the tank as well. Someone can correct me if I am wrong but it is my understanding that most of the nitrifying bacteria is sessile, meaning it is adhered to the rocks. So the vast majority of good bacteria is on the rocks and glass and not the water itself. That is why a water change in a cycling tank does not completely ruin the cycle. Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but it would be better in my opinion to buy a bit more bacteria if you want a quick cycle and then not worry about taking more water then you need to submerge the rocks. (easier too. lol)

Hope that makes sense

 

Just remember.

Bacteria mainly live on surfaces, not in the water column itself. If you bring in dirty water, you will get a little bacteria, but not much. The nitrates in the water will help kick start the cycle is all.

Instead of water, you would be farther ahead getting some grunge or sand from an established tank.

This is why LR is so important to a reef system. It gives the tank so much more surface area to colonize.

 

I thought that was the case. Glad I was not coming from way out in left field. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif

 

Dirty water thats all i can say. that being said every one has great points. the origanal post was about adding something to seed a tank. Useing dirty water does work and using bottles of starters do too. Starters are just bacteria cosintrated bottles of water in basic. The use of a seeded substrait or liverock is a big plus.

 

I wouldm't add chromis if you're only wanting them for the cycle. As was said, adding the LR, bacteria and live sand (from an established system) should work fine Kylie. There are products available which also allow immediate addition of livestock...if you're worried, keep some Amquel/other brand of ammonia detoxifier on hand. Also some SW that can be used for a quick WC if needed. Looking forward to having you in the area!! :=0)

 

Water definitely helps kick start the process, but rock, rock rubble and live sand are the real deal.

My experience has been that a tank that starts from day 1 with a good quality live rock/sand will have a very quick initial cycle (maybe even too quick to detect). The key is that the rock/sand needs stay wet and in the right temp range while it's transferred. This will minimize die-off and make sure that it starts doing it's job as soon as it enters the tank.

On the other hand, if you put "formerly" live rock/sand into a system without curing it, you may be in for the mother of all cycles.

 

How long can live rock be out of water (still damp), and be safe to be added to your tank? When do you need to dry it out and start over or can you just run it in a separate tank and let it cycle ?