The Puffer Forum

Just got done adding all the sand, water, and LR to my new tank for benji (my S&S). He was in the 80 gallon I had set up undergoing hypo salinity to rid the ich of the tank/LR. The LR has been in a trashcan with a powerhead and a heater for about 3 months now. My question is, will I have a small cycle at all with this established rock?? Or can I transfer benji into the tank in the next day or two?
Am lvls are 0

Just did more tests on the water the LR was in for months, and in the new DT and the params are all at 0.

Perfect!

what were you using to feed the bacteria over the last 3 months?

sounds to me like the rock was just cured from any dead stuff on it. for cycling the rock would need some sort of pure ammonia added or waste produced in the tank/container for the bacteria to feed on to keep alive. im afraid this might be another step you have to take. if you are looking to add fish asap, you could get one the of "bacteria in a bottle" since you rock is ready for cycle now, not exactly sure which ones are suggested here off the top of my head. i think dr tims and tetra safestart have been recommended or tested by individuals here and are proved to be successful, any other products that claim to be similar to those be weary of and ask here before purchase

J-P: I have not been doing much for feeding the bacteria. When I got the rock it was all covered in coralline algae, and now there is only about 30% left, so there was some die off over time. I would also dispose of the vitamin water I soak benjis food in into the trashcan full of my rock.

much? expect an ammonia spike that can be corrected with water changes until the bacteria adjusts to the bioload.

The algae set back is from the lack of lighting in the bucket.
or
Since you are in the USA get a bottle of Dr. Tims. Set up your tank as you want it. Shoot the bottle (the recommended dose + some) into the tank and add your fish 24 ~ 48 hours after. Drip aclime the puffer to the same temp and SG... you should be good to go.