new tank

[megan_1352000]

I have live rock and live sand. Is there some kind of fish that i can buy right now to help it start the cycle?

 

[Andrew]

[welcome]

Well some people cycle their tanks with damsels but I dont recommend this because once the tank is cycled, you would have to remove the damsel because they can aggressive and may attack other fish that you add to the tank.

 

[sinkingbeach]

Not only is it cruel to use a fish to help with a cycle, but as stated earlier it will be very difficult to get out at a later time if you should desire. You should get a shrimp or two from the grocery store and just toss them in there, it will get the cycle started.

 

[Cutiewitbooty]

The liverock and livesand should be able to start the cycle it's self. If the liverock cured?

Welcome to RC!!! It's always nice seeing more females around here lol

 

[ugination87]

a damsel.. but thats mean

 

[megan_1352000]

the live rock is cured

 

[bertoni]

If you have live rock, you don't need fish or shrimp, IME. Just wait for zero ammonia (if you ever detect any ammonia) and then give the tank a few more weeks to be sure there aren't any secondary spikes, and you'll be ready for business. A few large (25%) water changes along the way should help.

 

[CarmieJo]

I've picked up a lot of information on the nitrogen cycle from listening to some of the beginning episodes of the TalkingReef podcast. It's nice b/c I can listen in my car. Just be aware that if you are like me you may want to stop at times and take notes!

 

[PatMayo]

megan_1352000,

I took the live rock from my established 46 plus some cured live rock from the LFS and never had a cycle per se. I didn't add any fish for a couple of weeks just to be sure because the rock from the LFS may not have been as cured as I would like it to be. But if your rock is completely curred, wait as stated at least a couple of weeks and you are ready to go. Add fish slowly in order to give the biological system time to catch up with the new load.

Regards,

Pat