clownfish Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 Hi all, I just moved to Portland and started a little 30 gallon tank. Totally stoked! I've set everything up and just need a little live sand to activate the bacterial cycle and add some micro fauna. Does anyone have a cup they can share with me? I promise to reward you once my tank gets going . Take care, Patrick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexinverts Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 (edited) You can just use some live rock and a source of ammonia to get your tank going. If you want to supplement that, you can use Dr. Tim's "One and Only Live Nitrifying bacteria for cycling saltwater aquaria," which works better in my experience than a cupful of sand from an established tank. Edited December 22, 2014 by Lexinverts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clownfish Posted December 22, 2014 Author Share Posted December 22, 2014 Thanks Lexi. I'll check that out. I still want to get some sand for the zooplankton though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badxgillen Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 I think some established sand and rubble from a reputable tank would seed things much better than any in a bottle remedies, more diversity. I am not in your area but i am sure there is a nearby reefer to lend a hand with the sand, maybe Jeff at Cuttle Fish and Coral. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Z Reef Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 I can look and see if I have a small piece in my sump for you. Also you may want to take a hunk of cheato too so the pods get going in it (if you have a spot for a fuge that is). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexinverts Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 I think some established sand and rubble from a reputable tank would seed things much better than any in a bottle remedies, more diversity. I am not in your area but i am sure there is a nearby reefer to lend a hand with the sand, maybe Jeff at Cuttle Fish and Coral. I guess it depends what your goal is. If you are in an emergency and need to cycle a tank quickly, like in setting up a quarantine tank because of an illness in your DT, or replacing a broken tank, etc... nothing cycles faster than Dr. Tim's. I keep a bottle on the shelf for such emergencies. If you are setting up tank from scratch and going slowly (like you should), then, you're right, having some sand from an established tank is probably the best idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clownfish Posted December 22, 2014 Author Share Posted December 22, 2014 Yes. chaeto would be great. I didn't even think of that but that would be ideal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badxgillen Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 When he mentioned bacterial cycle and micro fauna I figured I would steer him towards the more traditional method. But yes bacteria in a bottle can help in sticky situation. Might want a couple stomatella snails and brittle stars too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JManrow Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 (edited) I'd be glad to give you a cup of sand. Although my tank has only recently been restocked, it has been established with a DSB (deep sand bed) 5 years. I can give you a few pods too. Edited December 23, 2014 by JManrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pledosophy Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 I'd be glad to give you a cup of sand. Although my tank has only recently been restocked, it has been established with a DSB (deep sand bed) 5 years. I can give you a few pods too. Is that old school sand John? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clownfish Posted December 23, 2014 Author Share Posted December 23, 2014 Thank you John! That is mighty kind of you. I'll pm you to work out the details. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clownfish Posted December 23, 2014 Author Share Posted December 23, 2014 Hi John, I tried messaging you but it says your inbox is full. Could you please email me at clownfish@gmail.com to give me your details? Thanks again, Patrick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JManrow Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Is that old school sand John? Yeah... it's from the ocean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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