Ryan delano
Community Member
I'm very new to the hobby and I want to know what you guys think about the dry and live rock mix I just started the cycle process an I want to know what is the cheapest fish that helps the cycle and can also clean
My first 40 breeder
- Thread starter Ryan delano
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Welcome to R2R!
There's lot's of help here for sure. Search around a bit on 'cycling new tanks", there's a few ways to do it.
Personally, I'd suggest using a 'fishless' cycle method. This is one of the fastest methods to cycle a new tank (second only to using well established live rock and sand), and doesn't harm or stress the fish. It uses bottled bacteria and bottled ammonium chloride.
EDIT: This video may help:
BRSTV Fishless Cycle Method How To
If you do decide to use a fish to cycle your tank, Clownfish are often a top choice. You're looking for a very hardy fish that can withstand the stress of elevated ammonia during the cycle.
If you can find it or are willing to order it (not cheap!), you can start a tank almost instantly with well established rock and sand. You can also "seed" your tank or filter media by adding just a little established rock or sand to your mostly dry rock and sand. Or by adding precycled filter media like rock rubble or ceramic bio balls to your sump or filter section. Lot's of options for sure.
Cycling a tank is very much like making Italian Sunday Tomato Sauce, everyone has their own methods and tweaks, so do some research, ask more questions, and do what you feel is best for your tank.
Good luck!
There's lot's of help here for sure. Search around a bit on 'cycling new tanks", there's a few ways to do it.
Personally, I'd suggest using a 'fishless' cycle method. This is one of the fastest methods to cycle a new tank (second only to using well established live rock and sand), and doesn't harm or stress the fish. It uses bottled bacteria and bottled ammonium chloride.
EDIT: This video may help:
BRSTV Fishless Cycle Method How To
If you do decide to use a fish to cycle your tank, Clownfish are often a top choice. You're looking for a very hardy fish that can withstand the stress of elevated ammonia during the cycle.
If you can find it or are willing to order it (not cheap!), you can start a tank almost instantly with well established rock and sand. You can also "seed" your tank or filter media by adding just a little established rock or sand to your mostly dry rock and sand. Or by adding precycled filter media like rock rubble or ceramic bio balls to your sump or filter section. Lot's of options for sure.
Cycling a tank is very much like making Italian Sunday Tomato Sauce, everyone has their own methods and tweaks, so do some research, ask more questions, and do what you feel is best for your tank.
Good luck!
welcome aboard the r2r board. hello from PA!
Mr. Mojo Rising
5000 Club Member
Please do not use a fish to cycle the tank, thats sad, just go buy a bottle of bacteria and leave the fish out of the tank until the tank is cycled.
Also be aware that a lot of research is needed for success in the hobby, this is a good starting point:
www.reef2reef.com
Also be aware that a lot of research is needed for success in the hobby, this is a good starting point:
The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium
The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium This article was sponsored by @MarineDepot at www.marinedepot.com. Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean...
www.reef2reef.com
Welcome to Reef2Reef
Reef By Steele
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Partner Member 2024
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Ryan welcome to the reef. I discovered this forum as it seemed to always come up when I googled a question. Finally joined, then chose to become a supporting member and later a partner member to keep the forum available for others to come. My wife @Ocean_Queenie and I started culturing copepods and phytoplankton eventually selling some on here as a hobbyist. Eventually we decided to try to make a career out of it so we are now sponsors as well. I love the Reef2 Reef community here and the wealth of knowledge. Thanks for joining us.
Reef By Steele
2500 Club Member
Partner Member 2024
Executive Sponsor
Partner Sponsor 24
R2R Secret Santa 2023
As for the cycle, many will speak against the fish in cycle. I have used it many times, but on larger tanks with 1-2 fish max. I also have water ready for changes at all times so if the ammonia starts to climb I can do water changes.
As for a clean up fish for a start, this can be a little tricky. About the best clean up fish, I like the lawnmower blenny, but not so sure it should be the first fish in a fresh tank. If doing a fish in cycle, I use aquavitro seed, and dose the recommended amount daily, along with prime to neutralize the ammonia. Our smallest tank is a 75 with sump, so about double your volume. The smaller the tank the higher your ammonia will be.
The suggestion of a clownfish I would avoid. They are a truly hardy fish, but they can be terribly territorial, so may make later additions more challenging.
As for a clean up fish for a start, this can be a little tricky. About the best clean up fish, I like the lawnmower blenny, but not so sure it should be the first fish in a fresh tank. If doing a fish in cycle, I use aquavitro seed, and dose the recommended amount daily, along with prime to neutralize the ammonia. Our smallest tank is a 75 with sump, so about double your volume. The smaller the tank the higher your ammonia will be.
The suggestion of a clownfish I would avoid. They are a truly hardy fish, but they can be terribly territorial, so may make later additions more challenging.
A 40 gallon breeder is an excellent choice for a first tank.
1. Its a good size where chemistry swings will be more subtle.
2. It isn't deep, so good light penetration with a less expensive light.
3. Nice footprint for a lot of aquascaping room.
1. Its a good size where chemistry swings will be more subtle.
2. It isn't deep, so good light penetration with a less expensive light.
3. Nice footprint for a lot of aquascaping room.
eliaslikesfish
Active Member
40 gallon is what I started with as well. Fantastic choice! I did my cycle with no fish and everything turned out beautifully. Left it there with the filter running and no lights for a month, tested at the end of that month for any nitrites and ammonia and as soon as both were at zero I added my first fish.
officialreefbros
Well-Known Member
Awesome! Make sure the table is flat/level and if it's not too late sneak a mat under it
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