Originally posted by Marinebio2
I have a question if I am startring a new tank what should I do to get all the cycles running???? and how long should I wait to put some fish in???I want a fuzzy-dwarf lionfish and a blackand white percula clown is this a safe couple or should I have a few diff. kind. I also would like a snowflake eel. I only have a 55 gal and I have absolutely no good lfs by me is this site good to buy fish from and inverts.???? I really need to knowIt is really bugging me what should I do:help: :help: :happyfish
I doubt you'll follow this.. *grin* but here ya go..
1. 4 - 6 weeks for Cycle. Plan to see an empty tank for at least that long.
2. get the substrate (your crushed coral or Sand) in the tank. You need at least 4" of substrate. Water/salt mixed and in the tank. If you plan to use Live rock, put this in now also.
3. Get all your equipment up and running. Turn on the lights.. get the water temp up 80... and If you have a skimmer leave it off..
4. Drop a piece of uncooked shrimp into the tank.
5. The first two weeks dont do anything.. There is no point in wasting your test kits during this time..
6. on the third week start to monitor your water chemistry.. Its also at this point you want to start breaking in your skimmer... You need to check levels on ammonia and Nitrites. When both reach 0 your ready to slowly add your fish.. Id change out 50% of your water and then after a couple more days add.... cleanup crew first (if you plan to have one or one fish per week).
Just a note.. Those are aggressive fish your planning on putting that clown in with.. If hes not eaten he will be stressed...
"What do i do for 5 weeks with an empty tank?"
READ READ and READ.. soak in all the information you can on Saltwater .... You'll be so glad you did!!
HTH.
