Need immediate advice!

[prelag]

I just got done buying some live rock. While at the LFS the kid told me I need a canister filter which sits outside the tank or it will start stinking really bad.
Right now I have a 30g AquaClear hang on filter and 1 power jet...
Was this guy feeding me a load of bs?
Also, should I just leave the live rock in there until the cycle is through or should I go out and get a cleanup crew while the live rock cycles the tank? :help:

 

[mr_bill]

Well at least he didn't tell you to cycle the tank with live fish, and it's up to you as far as the carbon goes. Yes it will be pretty stinky but carbon can only do so much, depending on your turnover rate. Carbon is cheap, just go for it.

 

[prelag]

Sorry, I meant canister filter, not carbon. Original post has been edited, still need an answer.

 

[mr_bill]

I would go with a wet/dry over a canister filter but thats just my opinion. The tank is going to be stinky during the cycle reguardless of what filter you have on there. Wet/dry filters just offer alot of flexability and it's easy to house things like protien skimmers, and heaters in them. Carbon would be added to either filter to cut down on smell and help with water clarity.

 

[mimzy]

leave your tank the way it is. Cycling with uncured live rock is a good idea....FAR better than cycling with fish.
Cured or uncured doesn't really matter - there will be die off anyhow, when you're starting a tank, and you WANT that; that's what is going to start your nitrogen cycle.
If you really want to add another filter, go ahead - but it's not necesary at this point IMO.
Wait until your cycle is over to add the inverts. It'll take a couple weeks. Once the ammonia spikes, you'll even begin to see a little bit of life...pods and such. ...takes around 2 weeks to really see it.
Another suggestion....you can add a LOT of live rock NOW so u won't have to cure any later when the cycle is done (adding uncured LR to a POST CYCLED tank is dangerous b/c it might start a new mini cycle, which might lead the to death of whatever else is in the tank). If it were me, I'd stuff as much LR in there as possible to really get the cycle going.
That's a really pretty tank - keep us posted, and good luck! :joy:

 

[prelag]

hey guys thanks for the replies! I guess my biggest concern is the smell. The guy told me my tank will smell god awful if I dont have a canister filter. I cannot stand nasty smells. So, should i be worried?

 

[mr_bill]

I agree with Mimzy on the LR deal too. Add all the cheap uncured LR you want in your tank now while cycling. It's a real gamble later without secondary tanks to cure your rock yourself.

 

[mr_bill]

Originally Posted by prelag
hey guys thanks for the replies! I guess my biggest concern is the smell. The guy told me my tank will smell god awful if I dont have a canister filter. I cannot stand nasty smells. So, should i be worried?
It's gonna smell some, a canister filter isn't going to prevent this.

 

[prelag]

awesome, thanks for saving me 100 dollars. :jumping:

 

[beth]

I hate canister filters. LR, LS will do a heck of a lot more than a media chamber [canister filter].