Cycle Starts Tomorrow...

[salvatore]

My gf and I researched a new aquarium for several months before deciding, and found a really nice (and seemingly knowledgeable) LFS. The guy talked us through everything and has agreed to come to the house to install and setup the tank as soon as our VHO lighting system comes in; hopefully Tuesday April 2nd.
We decided on a 110gal saltwater, and are going for a fish and invertebrate setup. My gf has her heart set on a stingray and several tangs and clowns, and we're curious about what others have in their tanks.
The LFS says we can have a (small) shark, various types of eels, and a few other fish, but also says we're limited because some fish will attack the ray. Anyone have this kind of setup?
I have a few questions:
The LFS says we need about 20 damsels, and didnt mention using alternative cycling methods (chemicals, rock, et cetera). Is this an average number of damsels for a tank this size? Or is he selling us more than we need in case any dont survive the cycle? I know it takes 4-6 weeks to cycle and Im not wanting to shorten it prematurely, just curious.
The LFS also says we'll need about 100 snails (one per gallon) to control algae after cycling...not that we 'have' to have them, just that it'll help. That seems like quite a bit, are we going to end up with a snail tank with a few fish? What else (live) controls algae?
Anyone have a photo gallery of a cycling period or of the initial stages of setting up a tank? Im really hoping we get this started tomorrow and Id like to learn as much as possible ahead of time.
Thanks!

 

[zainsreef]

go to the aggressive fish section

 

[tyrfing]

Don't cycle using Damsels, use raw shrimp from your local grocery store. A Half pound of jumbos should run you about $6.00, throw 4-5 in there, let them sit for a few days and as they break down, your cycle will start.
It's cruel to make a fish live through a cycle, and expensive. Your local guy will charge you probably $5.00 per damsel (so about $100). That's a lot of money for fish that may die, or will overpopulate your tank if they live through a cycle. Kind of weird that he would recommend that many rather than suggesting shrimp, but then again, he won't make that kind of sale on shrimp...
Do a search on this board using "cycling" or "cycle" as a keyword and you should get some good ideas.

 

[salvatore]

<vent>
I must have jinxed myself with this posting...my lights still havent arrived yet and Im stuck waiting to set up my tank.
Isnt it ironic though, that Im 'waiting to wait'? Once the thing is set up I still have to show so much more patience before having it 'ready' for regular fish. Ah well, if nothing else this is teaching me to appreciate the tank as a whole...instead of wasting money and time on animals we would have killed by rushing.
</vent>

 

[sandy]

Good job waiting. And I totally agree. Please don't cycle with damsels. You can use raw shrimp, or, if you want it to go quicker -- drop some flake food in there or frozen brine... My 20 gal is cycling like crazy with no fish. I have 25lbs dsb and about 10lbs LR in there. All I added was an old filter from my display tank and some food. Ammonia was over 1.0 last time I checked.

 

[sinner's girl]

I have to agree one more time, don't kill 20 fish.
Use, lr and shrimp, or food. No need to buy fish it sounds like you'd get rid of anyway.
also, i don't see that you need 100 snails during the cycle. so what if algea grows? just clean it up when the cycle is over...once the cycle is done you can add snails. (you can buy in bulk -50 at this site). I'd add the 50 (or maybe just 25) at first then if you think you need more add more.
the tangs will eat some algea and the clowns may pick at it. once the tank is cycled you can look into getting a clean up crew (inverts) since you're going with a stingray check and see if they'll bother inverts (i don't know, i know the tang and clowns will leave the inverts alone).
take you time, as you seem to already know, add fish slowly,
and simply read post on this board you'll learn a lot that way.
Good luck!

 

[ofalegend]

I'm not trying to burst anyone's bubble, and it is probably best to ask this in the aggressive forum, but isn't a 110 a bit small for sharks and stingrays? From all I've heard 110 is too small for either. I would research the subject thoroughly before deciding on any purchases if I were you. I understand you want the shark and stingray, but if they're going to die or be unhappy and unactive in your tank, then it kinda defeats the purpose of having them. I went through the same thing when I first set up my tank and thought about inhabitants. I wanted much more than I could have as I realize now. But you know, honestly, after a while I've adjusted to teh idea of fewer and smaller fish
~M

 

[salvatore]

We've done alot of research and spoken at length with our LFS about the ray and are assured that as long as we keep a majority of the bottom clear (sand only) and dont put anything in the tank that'll attack the ray that we'll be fine. My girlfriend and I went around the store and almost every fish we pointed out he told us "You cant have that it'll attack the ray" (or vice versa). He said there are of species plenty we *can* have, but he's good about letting us know what we shouldn't have as well.
The ray is almost 100% once the tank is fully cycled (the LFS wont even sell it to us until he tests the water after several months), and the eel/shark/et cetera are just what-ifs way down the road.
Thanks for everyone's help and suggestions; once we actually get started Im sure we'll love this hobby.

 

[krusk]

100 snail / gal * 110 gal = 11000 snails
god, that is alot of snail
I would not go with the stingray
They are hard to feed (easier to die)
First off, ask if your LFS sell RO water
if they are not, save the money on damsels and get a RO/DI unit to filled the tank with RO/DI water.
It's good to cycle the tank with shrimp, liverock, livesand, flake food but is boring to wait about 4 weeks to add fishes
110 gallons is large enough for any fishes you like as a starter + 1 or 2 damsel
so, If I gonna set up 110 tank, this is what I would do, although many other may have different way.
mix RO/DI water + salt and filled 1/3 the tank
Add Sand(NONE SILICATE BASE) and wait for it to seatle then add Live Sand on top fill about 4-5 inches. (Fake sand are used because we want to save money, you can alway us 100% live sand) Wait for it to seatle then add live rocks (about 200 lbls)
filled the tank with RO/DI + Salt water
turn on, power heads, filter, light etc
add 1 or 2 damsel of your choice(for entertaiment
for the next few week) kinda boring with out fishes after the tank been setup
through, flakefood, table shrimp, frozen brineshrimp etc
good luck and enjoy your beautiful tank