cured rock vs. cycled tank

[troni]

But correct me if I'm wrong denitrifying bacteria will colonize on any surface so whether the rock is alive or not shouldn't make a difference? Oh and to do the cycle I would be throwing in a deli shrimp so that would start the cycle

[Coralgurl]

I started my tank with 20 lbs of live rock and let the tank cycle. As I started adding more fish, I noticed that I was having algae issues in the tank, so added another 10lbs of LR and 30 lbs of base rock in August this year. the base rock went through its only little cycle with the start of bacteria growing on it, went neon green and now has corriline algae growing on it, but it is nowhere close to looking like the original LR, even the rock added in August. The bacteria will grow, but it takes much longer for the base rock to become effective as Myka noted. I expect its going to take a few more months but its getting there. I believe it is providing some filtration, but maybe 25% after 2 1/2 months.

Take it slow and don't try to rush the cycling or addition of anything to your tank. You may save money on the rocks, but it will cost you down the road to go too fast. I'm a newb too and I have learned this the hard way.

[troni]

Ok I see what's being said thank you for clearing that up.