Originally posted by ASquareMan
What do you mean by decomposing and what kind of shimp can I start with? Also do any of you recommend getting one of the reef cleaning packages? When should it be purchased? What fish or additions should I begin with first? Shrimp first then what?
From what I've read and learned, I would not get ANYTHING until after the cycle process is complete. No cleaners, no fish, no coral, not until the cycle is done.
The shrimp help the buildup of ammonia and help the tank cycle along with the LR and LS. Just medium sized raw shrimp, either the white or the greyish ones (we used the greyish ones) and you plop them in the tank and leave them alone. They decompose in a matter of days and push the cycle process of the tank along. Some people use damsels to cycle their tanks, but I heard they were difficult to get out once the cycle is finished, and you don't want damsels in with other fish because I've read they are very aggressive.
After your ammonia rises and falls, nitrites rise and fall, and nitrates, then you do a water change (about 10% or so) and then I think you can start planning your stock for the tank.
At least that's the way I'm leaning.....veterans correct me if I'm wrong!!!
