Question for Dr. Roy

[nikemikey]

I was told that I could use the peacock mantis I'm getting to cycle my tank. Is this true, or is this asking for trouble?

Mike

 

[Gonodactylus]

Trouble! While this partly depends on the size of the system and how far along it is in cycling, the inherent instability of cycling tanks could lead to a ammonia spike that could be fatal. This situation can be made worse by the behavior of the stomatopod. O. scyllarus often bury uneaten food and their molt skin. In a tank that is not well cycled, this decaying organic material can produce serious problems.

Roy

 

[justinl]

yeah a definite no no. Cycle ethically and use frozen shrimp; nothing live (except whatever is on the rock of course). seriously, take some fleshy fishfood and throw it in the tank. that will be plenty sufficient to kick up some ammonia.

 

[nikemikey]

Thanks for the quick response Dr. Roy and justinl! I'll wait till my tank is nice and cycled