Starting Up

[jweiner]

When I have my tank all set up and running with the proper salinity and temperature, can I add one fish along with beneficial bacteria at the same time?

 

[Fish Fan]

I think you'll find that the majority here on Reef2Reef frown on a fish-in cycle, which is basically what you're describing. I also agree, I would do a fish-less cycle and let the bacteria grow steadily until there's enough to handle the waste of your future fish. A fish-less cycle using a bottled bacteria and a source of ammonia typically takes about 3 weeks before you can add your first fish.

That said, if you're really interested in having a fish immediately, use Fritz TurboStart 900 specifically as your bottled bacteria. The Fritz product specifically seems to work quickly enough that fish can safely be added almost immediately after adding the bacteria to a running tank. Please know that these are not the same bacteria you will be growing in the long-term, but in the short term the Fritz includes a type of bacteria that can make short work out of ammonia, making the tank safe for fish quickly.

Here's some additional information on the different types of cycling, and their pros and cons:

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cont...HEYe1yKlRN8_uyl4S3LGjRNHZGHn7CwYaAvZ-EALw_wcB
Good luck!!

 

[jweiner]

I think you'll find that the majority here on Reef2Reef frown on a fish-in cycle, which is basically what you're describing. I also agree, I would do a fish-less cycle and let the bacteria grow steadily until there's enough to handle the waste of your future fish. A fish-less cycle using a bottled bacteria and a source of ammonia typically takes about 3 weeks before you can add your first fish.

That said, if you're really interested in having a fish immediately, use Fritz TurboStart 900 specifically as your bottled bacteria. The Fritz product specifically seems to work quickly enough that fish can safely be added almost immediately after adding the bacteria to a running tank. Please know that these are not the same bacteria you will be growing in the long-term, but in the short term the Fritz includes a type of bacteria that can make short work out of ammonia, making the tank safe for fish quickly.

Here's some additional information on the different types of cycling, and their pros and cons:

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cont...HEYe1yKlRN8_uyl4S3LGjRNHZGHn7CwYaAvZ-EALw_wcB
Good luck!!

When you do a fishless cycle, do the bacteria that covert ammonia to nitrite die once they convert all the ammonia? That’s the part I don’t understand. When the fish are in the tank, they provide a continuous source of ammonia.

 

[Uncle99]

When you do a fishless cycle, do the bacteria that covert ammonia to nitrite die once they convert all the ammonia? That’s the part I don’t understand. When the fish are in the tank, they provide a continuous source of ammonia.

They don’t all die, the fish poop feeds larger populations, which in turn, process higher loads.

 

[jweiner]

When you do a fishless cycle, do the bacteria that covert ammonia to nitrite die once they convert all the ammonia? That’s the part I don’t understand. When the fish are in the tank, they provide a continuous source of ammonia.

They don’t all die, the fish poop feeds larger populations, which in turn, process higher loads.

What if it’s a fishless cycle?

 

[Uncle99]

What if it’s a fishless cycle?

Adding bacteria, adding ammonia source.
Once you see nitrate, the initial cycle has completed.

Check ammonia is zero.

Then add 1 or 2 fish, wait sometime for the cycle to catch up, then repeat if you wish.

From start to fish for me is 7 days, likely earlier.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

That would be a good way to introduce fish disease into your tank. First you would be rushing unnecessarily and introducing your fish into a stressful situation, and second you are skipping qt. Neither is a good way to start a hobby thats all about taking care of sea animals. if you introduce disease into your tank you would need to let the tank be fishless for 3 months to let the disease die out, so IMO a couple of week fishless cycle is better than 3 months of fishless tank.

Suggest to let the tank cycle properly without fish, and during that time, research and prepare for quarantine.

 

[Fish Fan]

When you do a fishless cycle, do the bacteria that covert ammonia to nitrite die once they convert all the ammonia? That’s the part I don’t understand. When the fish are in the tank, they provide a continuous source of ammonia.

No, the bacteria will be fine. They can persist for quite some time without ammonia.

I agree about the QT'ing of new fish too

 

[jweiner]

That would be a good way to introduce fish disease into your tank. First you would be rushing unnecessarily and introducing your fish into a stressful situation, and second you are skipping qt. Neither is a good way to start a hobby thats all about taking care of sea animals. if you introduce disease into your tank you would need to let the tank be fishless for 3 months to let the disease die out, so IMO a couple of week fishless cycle is better than 3 months of fishless tank.

Suggest to let the tank cycle properly without fish, and during that time, research and prepare for quarantine.

My LFS quarantines all of their fish.

 

[Fish Fan]

My LFS quarantines all of their fish.

I would confirm with them what their QT protocol is, almost no fish shops do a real, full medicated QT like what's advised here:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/current-quarantine-protocol.825055/