When to add live rock ?

[Bogartus]

I just filled up a new tank I've been in the hobby for 20 years maybe I should know the answer to this question. I'm starting off with all dry rock Carib C and some dryed out live rock. I put 40 lb of live sand in, and I'm going to put in some Dr Tim's one and only and also Dr Tim's ammonium chloride solution once I read the directions. My question is I was going to add a couple pieces of live rock to my sump. I'm wondering if I should wait till this tank goes through its ammonia and nitrite cycle and then get a couple pieces of live rock in a couple weeks or so. What are some of your thoughts? Thanks ahead of time for your responses

 

[drexel]

Get real live rock in there as soon as you can, because none of that bottled bacteria and live sand (from a bag) are going to offer you any kind of “real” beneficial bacteria. In order to seed that dry rock quicker, you need a source of good bacteria. Aqua Forest sells mud called “life source” which is a another good source of beneficial bacteria. Otherwise, it’s going to take you months, if not longer to establish a healthy amount of “good” bacteria.


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[Roie]

I heard the best thing you can do after it goes through a cycle would be to get some rubble from an established tank's sump (hopefully a clean one) and it helps speed up the seeding.

 

[Bogartus]

Thank you !

 

[joseserrano]

Add it as soon as you can. Add ammonia to keep bumping up population. Tank will cycle with or without anything.