New To Salt But Not Tanks

[sprinklerman500]

Hows it going Reef Lovers.My name is Chris and i have a new 60 gallon tank that i just put some rock in from Blue Planet.The change from fresh is still fresh so any input or advice would be great. I used a Fritz Zyme Turbo Start today with my rock and the guy sad that i need some fish to help the cycle,im not sure all help is welcome. Thanks Chris P.S The Live Rock is real sweet with some purple and green corilline as well as a shroom,and two small fan shaped things that open and close. =]

 

[jdabs]

Welcome to the club!! Lots of great knowledge around here! Browse around the forums and ask lots of questions. The key is to take it slow and plan things out! And of course, have fun!!

 

[sprinklerman500]

Hello my name is Chris I just started a new 60 tank this past week.Im new to salt so im not so fresh,any advice is great.I got some live rock that have some purple and green corilline as well as a shroom,crabs and some small things that look like fans that open and close? I used a Fritz Zyme Turbo Start today and the guy told me that i need some fish to help with the cycle and im not sure?Any help or tips would be great Thanks Chris

 

[sprinklerman500]

I didnt think it posted

 

[rolo65]

dont actually need fish....go to the grocery store and get a shrimp.....uncooked....toss it in the tank for 2-3 days i think....and thatll start your cycle right up.....or you can get some pure ammonia.....think they sell "pure" ammonia at ace hardware or so ive heard....but just so ya know.....unless your tank has already cycled most of the crabs and little feather dusters and the shroom will most likely die off.....all part of the process....make sure you get a good test kit.....the seachem marine basic multi test kit is pretty good.....theres others such as elos and salifert which are good......theres a long discussion on here about whats better.....but i wont go into that....just make sure before you add any fish or coral or anything to you tank other than sand and live rock that you have 0 ammonia.....0 nitrites.....and the ph is around 8.2-8.3......nitrates will be there and hard to keep out completely but low as possible is good

 

[sprinklerman500]

Thanks for the input,I have got some good input and whould like to here more.Would it be mean of me to put some Damsels in the tank cause the family is like when can we get some fish?

 

[stacy22]

Putting fish into a tank that has not properly cycled is, IMO, cruel and inhumane. To start your nitrogen cycle use the cocktail shrimp as previously suggested. Rushing into things like introduction of livestock is asking for trouble in the reefing hobby. Slow down, let your tank properly cycle, and read-read-read. After doing this, ask questions and read some more.

Happy reefing and welcome to ARC!

 

[llewella]

IMO it would be mean. Either the fish would die during the cycle.. (likely) or if by some chance it DID live through it like mentioned before it is a bully and hard as hell to catch to get out of your tank should you want a peaceful tank in the future..
I waited a long time to add fish.. I waited for my cycle to end then added CUC and a few corals before my first fish went in, (which was a dragon goby to help with the Diatoms!

sprinklerman500;490014 wrote: Thanks for the input,I have got some good input and whould like to here more.Would it be mean of me to put some Damsels in the tank cause the family is like when can we get some fish?

 

[gnashty]

I did this and DO NOT RECOMMEND IT - i did not know what i know now and its mean and so are they - out of 10 only 1 is left (my puffer ate the rest after the cycle). the one left is a 4 stripe and he is a bully, cant even stick my hand in the tank without him getting a "taste" of my hand. shrimp is cheaper, only need a few good size peices to get your tank cycling.

sprinklerman500;490014 wrote: Thanks for the input,I have got some good input and whould like to here more.Would it be mean of me to put some Damsels in the tank cause the family is like when can we get some fish?

 

[rolo65]

Oh and by the way......DO NOT SMELL THE SHRIMP AFTER YOU REMOVE IT FROM THE TANK!!!!!......unless you want to lose your sense of smell....(not really.....it's just a horrific stench).....

 

[sprinklerman500]

Thanks every body for the input!My tank is coming along great.I love the rock.

 

[smoothie]

Good to hear. WELCOME!

 

[sprinklerman500]

The tank is doing well.I have live sand and rock cycling with a nice clean up crew of about 20 small hermits and 10 snails.I'm putting in some live rock with pollips today,can i put bulbs in my lights to support them.