Cycle question

[redrooster]

I am thinking about setting up a 2nd tank. It would be fish only with LR. If I use some established LR will it cycle with LR only, or do I still need to add a damsel or 2? When setting up tanks for people in the past I have always added the damsles right away and they have all lived some I'm not sure why I'm worried but I was just curious I guess as to if it would correctly cycle on LR only?

Also I changed all my 10 year old substrate in my established tank when I moved last week, so it isn't really good for seeding yet I don't think as I know that would be suggested.

 

[LakeEd]

You rock will cure all on its own, no fish required. IF all of the rock you use in the FOWLR isn't from an established system that has fully curred, the part of that rock that isn't curred will have die-off... and that will start your cycle for you much better than using any fish.

 

[redrooster]

OK I have a double follow up question. 1) My LFS cures his rock for 3 months before putting it up for sale and I now live less than 5 minutes away. In my experience of adding this to my establshed tank I have seen little to no die off. Should I leave a few pieces out for a little bit to encourage some die to kick start my cycle?

2) The tank I am starting is only 29 gallons. Is this too small for fish only? Should I just do freshwater with it? Obviously it is big enough for damsels and blennies and such and is far too small for tangs/triggers/groupers and such. What about medium size fish. Is this big enough to get a pair of clowns and try to breed them? Does anyone here have experience with a fish only of this size or smaller. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[returnofsid]

I would put all the rock directly into the tank. You'll need to add fish slowly and watch for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate spikes shortly after adding each fish. Each fish will add to the bio-load and you'll need to give the bacteria in the live rock time to "catch up." I think your tank is fine for a pair of clowns and maybe a goby or blenny. I don't know anything about breeding clowns. I'd suggest shooting Elmo a PM or a link to this thread. He's the Clown breeding King.