Just getting started

[The Batchelors]

my wife and I are just getting started. We have just currently got our sand and rocks and just filled the tank. We are in the beginning of cycling our tank. The store gave us a couple options and we decided to buy a couple damsels to get this process going. We both are impatient people but are learning quickly the value of patients. I know we have a little while to go but what are some of the fish and corals that you all would recommend.

 

[civics14]

Welcome.

Tell us more about your system? Are you using anything like Dr. Tim's, Stability, or Bio-Spira to help the nitrate cycle since you have a fish already as well?

 

[ZapataInc]

Yeah using fish to start the cycling process is "outdated" not really good for the fish because of the ammonia. Im not trying to discourage you but like @civics14 said you should put some bacteria in a bottle to jump start the bacteria population to help with the ammonia spike that you are about to have.

 

[The Batchelors]

I have added bacteria in a bottle that I picked up at my local fish store. They said to put have of the bottle in since it is a 55 gallon tank.

 

[ZapataInc]

Nice. And continue to ask your questions. We all were you were at one point in time.

 

[kullas]

Sounds like you are off to a good start. Any pics of your setup?

 

[The Batchelors]

 

[The Batchelors]

Nice. And continue to ask your questions. We all were you were at one point in time.

Do you think half the bottle is good enough?

 

[ZapataInc]

Do you think half the bottle is good enough?

Read the instructions on the bottle and see what it says. What brand did you get?

 

[kullas]

View attachment 19983

Looks good. What is it you added?

 

[The Batchelors]

Read the instructions on the bottle and see what it says. What brand did you get?

I am not sure the name but I got it at aquarium outfitters. It said that half the bottle would treat my tank but someone told me the whole bottle would be fine to use. I don’t want to have it mess my tank up so I only used half the bottle. I can’t wait to add the clean up crew and then some coral. It seems backwards to being in a clean up crew before I really get fish going in the tank

 

[ZapataInc]

I am not sure the name but I got it at aquarium outfitters. It said that half the bottle would treat my tank but someone told me the whole bottle would be fine to use. I don’t want to have it mess my tank up so I only used half the bottle. I can’t wait to add the clean up crew and then some coral. It seems backwards to being in a clean up crew before I really get fish going in the tank

I personally wouldnt do the clean up crew first because they need a source of food. And definitely not any coral before fish. You want to have a tank established for a couple of months before I would suggest adding coral. Do you still have the bottle of the bacteria?

 

[ZapataInc]

What type of equipment are you running with your tank?

 

[kullas]

I am not sure the name but I got it at aquarium outfitters. It said that half the bottle would treat my tank but someone told me the whole bottle would be fine to use. I don’t want to have it mess my tank up so I only used half the bottle. I can’t wait to add the clean up crew and then some coral. It seems backwards to being in a clean up crew before I really get fish going in the tank

Being a new tank I promise it will start to look ugly that's where the clean up crew comes in. Ugly as in algae. The cycle is starting now you will see a spike in ammonia and nitrates. Once the go to 0 that means the beneficial bacteria is caught up and doing its job.

 

[kullas]

Dang Zap you type way faster than me

 

[ZapataInc]

Also what are you using as an ammonia source? ghost feeding, piece of shrimp, ammonia alternative?

 

[The Batchelors]

Also what are you using as an ammonia source? ghost feeding, piece of shrimp, ammonia alternative?

I have 2 damsels in the tank and was told to over feed them. I am noticing food pellets all on the bottom. They have been in the tank for a week now.