cycling question

[ReeferItIs2]

So my last tank i had liverock and started the tank with damsels that II reallyregret now cause I ccan't get them out, not even with a fish trap (they are smarter than they look lol)...So this tank will have no live rock only dry rock and a bag of live sand...
My question is, is there a fish besides damsels and chromis that are hardy enough to withstand the cycle??

 

[ricksreef]

If you have a sump put damsels in it for the cycle

 

[ReeferItIs2]

No sump...and I'm thinking of doing a fishless cycle instead of harming any fish...still debating though...i Definetly know that I don't want to see another damsel in any of my tanks EVER LOL

 

[SloppyJ]

There is no reason to put a fish through that. Get some ammonia or ghost feed to cycle your tank.

 

[cmcoker]

+1 no fish, even if they survive the damage to their gills from ammonia burn can be permanent. I always think of the animals I have encountered at work with urine scald, how painful and sore it is and can't imagine putting a creature through that intentionally when there are very suitable alternatives... I have found plain ammonia at dollar tree, and a raw shrimp I'm sure costs less than a fish that may die...

 

[ReeferItIs2]

I totally agree

 

[Dragonvale]

Surprised no said Dr. Tims "one and only nitrifying bacteria".

 

[ReeferItIs2]

Dragon that's the bacteria I'm going to add to my system...they have it at Aquarium concepts in dublin

 

[ReeferItIs2]

I'll be adding shrimp wednesday and then bacteria (Dr tims) saturday and then monitor for a little while and adding bacteria and shrimp for the first month...then a clownfish or cardinal or fire fish for another month or 2 then corals...that's my plan now

 

[SloppyJ]

No need for the bacterial additive but it can't hurt. Just don't look at it as a quick fix. Make sure you have good test kits for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.

 

[Dapg8gt]

Dr tims is a great product with actual science behind it so I say go for it it will only help you out. Although shrimp and ammonia do just fine also I think the Dr tims gets you an advantage and it's only $20ish bringing in some things not available instantly and establishing the populations faster. Go on dr tims website it will tell you all about the products. They do have a shelf life though so keep that in mind if the bottle has been on the shelf for a long time..

I think you will be fine any way you choose just don't rush it and keep pumping it with ammonia (unscented of course =) so your bio is ready and able for whatever you throw at it.. Or in it I should say =). Good luck with the cycle that rock is crazy looking.. How much was that piece? Was it made local? Might want to try some out in my frag system if it ever gets water in it lol.. Finding time in my life right now is about as easy as winning the lottery it seems lol.

 

[Reef Bass]

Old school tank seeding: Sprinkle a handful of sand from an established tank in. Toss in a wee pinch of flake every couple days. Simple. Cheap. Effective.

 

[woodnaquanut]

I've used Dr. Tim's and the ammonia he sells. Works great. Didn't really see a cycle.

I also use the ammonia to keep QT tanks cycled if they are going to be fishless for a while.

 

[swk]

Fishless truly is the way to go. You can get the carrying ability of the bacteria up to and beyond what it needs to be. You can literally stock a tank in one shot if done correctly, and long enough. I love it.

 

[ReeferItIs2]

All great info thanks fellas...