New 55 gal., could really use some good advice

[nkrbkr77]

After studying up for the last two months and reading a few good books I have set up a 55 gal tank, the lps guy set me up with everything I supposedly need and said I could put my first fish in the next day, which took me by surprise, still I waited 4 days, checked the salinity and have the temp equalized, so last night we added a percula clown and 10 lbs. LR.
I have been checking in with this web sight and see a lot of people talking about adding cocktail shrimp to get the cycle going. Is that something I should be thinking about, or should I just let it be, will the little guy get things going all on his own? If so when should I start testing my water and start seeing change. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[mbrands]

Take "the little guy" back to the store now! He will die. You need to test a lot more than just salinity and temperature.
You need to do more research about "cycling" a new tank. Read other threads on here or use google searches.
Here is another great place to start:
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...hreadid=116184
Welcome to the boards.

 

[superman59]

it is to late for the cocktail shrimp that is done before any live stock is added. 4 days is a little early in my opinion. hopful the little guy will be ok. as for testing your water. If your tank cycled now is the most importent time to test your water.

 

[nkrbkr77]

Originally posted by Nkrbkr77
After studying up for the last two months and reading a few good books I have set up a 55 gal tank, the lps guy set me up with everything I supposedly need and said I could put my first fish in the next day, which took me by surprise, still I waited 4 days, checked the salinity and have the temp equalized, so last night we added a percula clown and 10 lbs. LR.
I have been checking in with this web sight and see a lot of people talking about adding cocktail shrimp to get the cycle going. Is that something I should be thinking about, or should I just let it be, will the little guy get things going all on his own? If so when should I start testing my water and start seeing change. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
So take the litte guy back and start a cycle w/shrimp?

 

[dmc888]

Yep. They do better in pairs anyway.

 

[nkrbkr77]

So I just re-read this chapter in this book that says you can start the cycle by adding one or two hardy fish to get it going, does anyone agree that this will work????

 

[mbrands]

If you want to torture and possibly kill your fish, it can be done that way. Most of the users here prefer a more humane method and recommend either using a cocktail shrimp and/or putting food in the tank (without any fish).