New Tank Cycle confusion

ReefRookie22 · Dec 11, 2024

Ok, so I'm setting up a new fish only 105 litre tank. The tank is filled, I've used dry rock but live sand.
After quite a bit of research I decided to do a fish-in cycle using ATM colony bacteria. However, when I got to the LFS the assistant said that I need to cycle my tank for 3-4 weeks first. He implied that he couldn't really let me have any clownfish until he knows my tank has been cycled. He recommended frequent dosing of Microbe Lift Nite-Out II bacteria instead but this isn't something I've found in my research (the product OR the frequent dosing of bacteria). He said that you don't need a source of ammonia as the bacteria that die will produce the ammonia that feeds the other bacteria.
So now I'm super confused. I've researched shrimp cycling, ghost feeding, fish-in cycling and ammonia dosing but not this.
I didn't feel like I have enough experience to bigfoot him and demand some clownfish but they are kind of essential for the cycle I was planning.
I'm in no rush to get fish in the tank but thought that the fish-in cycle seemed like the most straightforward method with the highest chance of success.
So I guess my questions is...what is the best way to cycle a tank? I have the correct amount of ATM colony for my tank so would like to use that if possible.

Appreciate any advice.

Fish Fan · Dec 11, 2024

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

The initial nitrogen cycle can be very confusing, especially because there are many ways to do it.

Although a fish-in cycle was popular many years ago, most of us do not recommended doing this any more as some consider this cruel to the Clownfish.

Arguably, *the best* way to get your tank started would be to use a good quality live rock from your local store. Even just a little added to your sump, filter section or in with your dry rocks will go a long way to building the beneficial microbes that process nitrogenous waste.

You can also use bottled bacteria. The name brand and specific "blend" is likely not terribly important, in my opinion, it's likely all the same or similar bacteria. Personally, I like Dr. Tim's One and Only, and I think Fritz TurboStart get a lot of love here for being "fast acting".

I disagree with what your LFS worker said about the ammonia, typically you need the bottled bacteria and a source of ammonia, but admittedly I don't have knowledge of the product he suggested. A source of ammonia can be from a piece of market shrimp in the tank, or from "ghost feeding", which just means you're feeding fishfood as if there's fish in the tank. The shrimp or food breaks down, releasing ammonia, which starts and fuels your cycle.

Personally, I prefer to use bottled ammonium chloride along with the bottled bacteria to start a new tank (if I wasn't going to use live rock, which hands down is my first choice). It's not expensive, and easy to use:
Dr. Tim's Ammonium Chloride

Please know that a cycle done this way can indeed take weeks to complete.

This video may be of some help too:

If you have any more questions, please post again!

Good luck!

Mr. Mojo Rising · Dec 11, 2024

Personally I don't agree with fish in cycle, why risk the fishes health over a couple of weeks, this is hobby where we care for fishes after all.

Fish in cycle with super large tanks is another matter, but your tank is small and the water will foul quickly, putting their health at risk.

With that said, people do it, thats their own biz. I would also find another LFS because I don't like nosy and bossy people. And yours doesn't give advice that I would agree with.

The best way to cycle the tank, in my opinion, is with bottled ammonia and bottled bacteria. Its fast, its impossible to go wrong, and it won't hurt the fish.

ReefRookie22 · Dec 11, 2024

Thankyou both so much for your answers. It's amazing how much contradicting information is out there, even from "experienced" sources. I wasn't aware that the fish-in cycle would be detrimental to the fish as assumed the bottled bacteria would keep the ammonia close to 0 so that's definitely good to know.
I'm very keen to ensure the wellbeing of my fish so very happy to cycle the tank a different way. I'll grab some bottled ammonia as I already have test kits so can monitor levels over the holidays.
Thanks again for your help.

FUNGI · Dec 11, 2024

If you are not in a hurry, just throw a frozen shrimp there for a couple days or so.....no need to spend $$$ for the same ammonia....just IMO...
EDIT: Thats How i cycle all my tanks......

keelo · Dec 16, 2024

Mr. Mojo Rising said:
Personally I don't agree with fish in cycle, why risk the fishes health over a couple of weeks, this is hobby where we care for fishes after all.

Fish in cycle with super large tanks is another matter, but your tank is small and the water will foul quickly, putting their health at risk.

With that said, people do it, thats their own biz. I would also find another LFS because I don't like nosy and bossy people. And yours doesn't give advice that I would agree with.

The best way to cycle the tank, in my opinion, is with bottled ammonia and bottled bacteria. Its fast, its impossible to go wrong, and it won't hurt the fish.

What would you say is part vs big tank definition? I do fish in cycling but normally 2 clownfish and the tank is 75 + gallons with a sump. I just do Dr Tim’s and then add fish but again that is for a somewhat medium setup ?? Has worked for me

Fish Fan · Dec 16, 2024

keelo said:
What would you say is part vs big tank definition? I do fish in cycling but normally 2 clownfish and the tank is 75 + gallons with a sump. I just do Dr Tim’s and then add fish but again that is for a somewhat medium setup ?? Has worked for me

Clownfish will make it through a cycle, with or without the bottled bacteria, that's how many of us cycled our tanks many years ago, but there's a newer argument that suggests this may be cruel to the Clownfish.

I like and use the Dr. Tim's One and Only, along with his ammonium chloride, but it's not considered "fast acting" by many members here at R2R. The Fritz TurboStart seems to be regarded as very fast acting, so this may be a better choice if you are adding fish right away.

ReefRookie22 · Dec 22, 2024

FUNGI said:
If you are not in a hurry, just throw a frozen shrimp there for a couple days or so.....no need to spend $$$ for the same ammonia....just IMO...
EDIT: Thats How i cycle all my tanks......

Warning: This makes your house smell. Not a popular choice over Christmas!!