Cycling lr

[abong]

So if I got some lr from the lfs, what would I need to do to cycle it?
Do I make up new saltwater and put it in an old tank with the LR? No sand? Throw in a PH and a heater. Do I need lighting on the tank or is better without? Do I do water changes? Does it matter?

[dobejazz]

I would just cycle it in the old tank power head and heater will be fine When the water tests zero ammonia,trites and trates it will be good to add to the display tank.Bacteria doesn't need lights, as far as water changes I'm lazy so I wouldn't do water changes I'm not sure thats the correct answer though

[pledosophy]

I feed the rock and keep it at temps in the high 80's. I like to feed pure unscented ammonia, but most food sources will do just fine. Feeding the rock gives the growing bacteria something to eat while the higher temps encourage bacteria growth.

I do water changes when nitrates exceed 200ppm.

[Geoff]

i have used ammonia to start the cycle in my tank, but i do not think it is as necessary when curing new LR. depending on the LR it may not really be necessary. the more barren the LR the less likely it will need to be cycled before putting into the tank. if you can also find LR that has been sitting at the LFS for several weeks it may already be cycled. the more life that is on the LR the longer it will need to be cycled.

the next question is, does LR need to be live at all, or is this a throwback to whole DSB days and is not really needed. i feel that LR is overrated and used BR instead.

G~