HI...just starting out on a salt water aquarium

[roka64]

I have to disagree with the statement about never getting rid if ammonia and nitrAtes.
The ammonia will be converted to nitrItes and then to nitrAtes fast enough that there should be no readings of the first two. NitrAtes are the end result of that conversion and can be removed with PWCs and or macro algae or a DSB.
So basically when the critters expel waste, that waste is quickly converted into nitrAtes.

[ejay1]

Originally Posted by fijiwigi

First step is to buy a test kit so that you can monitor the cycle. During the cycle about 6weeks is a great time to study so that you fully understand. I know its boring to see a tank of water with no fish swimming around but a good idea. In order to kick-start the cycle though you will need an ammonia source such as a raw shrimp from the grocery store, Fish food, Or my personal favorite Live rock. I ordered my live rock online Liveaquaria.com during shipping whatever live stuff died on the rock helped jump start my cycle for me. The quality of the rock was also much better than my Local Fish store had to offer. When I factored shipping and everything the Rock ordered online was still cheaper the the 8.99 a pound rock sold at the LFS.

Oh and you will never totally get rid of ammonia and nitrates. The bacteria inside your tank will help digest it to a level that is not harmfull to your fish. This also depends on your Bioload (amount of fish in your tank)With a 30g you will not be able to keep very many fish. If you have too many fish and a small tank with little live rock than you may not have the bacteria to keep up with the fish waste. You need lots of surface area for Bacteria growth. Via filter pad, rock or whatever There are many saltwater aquarist that do not use filters (including me) When you have enough live rock there is plenty of surface area for bioligical filtration of your tank the only other thing you need is good water flow and a protein skimmer.

will live sand kick start the cycle too???
and once the cycle gets started watch actually reduces the ammount of nitrite and ammonia
Im not too bothered about waiting for months to put fish in. Its better for me money wise...LOL
besides starting up and preparing the aquarium is half the fun
I plan to keep 3 fish at most, will that be a problem??

what do u recommend to use for a good water flow???

[roka64]

LR can start a cycle, if there is sufficient die off. If you just moved it straight from and established tank to your new tank (with minimal dry time) you could skip the cycle, since the beneficial bacteria are already present in the LR.
3 fish, it really depends on the fish.
I love the hydor korelias for water movement.

[ejay1]

Originally Posted by roka64

LR can start a cycle, if there is sufficient die off. If you just moved it straight from and established tank to your new tank (with minimal dry time) you could skip the cycle, since the beneficial bacteria are already present in the LR.
3 fish, it really depends on the fish.
I love the hydor korelias for water movement.

I have a question about ur fishless cycle thing...if I drop a raw shrimp in my aquarium...where do the bacteria come from.

I have absolutely nothing in my aquarium besides salt water.

[roka64]

Oh, I somehow missed that!
I use 1 raw, unseasoned jumbo shrimp per 30 gallons to cycle my tank.
The rotting shrimp will produce ammonia and start your cycle.
I'm sorry for any of my previous mis-information, as I thought you already had a cycled tank.
Ok, I was thinking of another thread. Read the article cmor posted and that will help you have a better understanding of the fishless cycle.

[ejay1]

Originally Posted by roka64

Oh, I somehow missed that!
I use 1 raw, unseasoned jumbo shrimp per 30 gallons to cycle my tank.
The rotting shrimp will produce ammonia and start your cycle.
I'm sorry for any of my previous mis-information, as I thought you already had a cycled tank.
Ok, I was thinking of another thread. Read the article cmor posted and that will help you have a better understanding of the fishless cycle.

Okay so drop 1 unseasoned shrimp in aquarium with live rock...
I have a 100 dollar budget for a live rock...which is best to get u think

[Kurt_Nelson]

Originally Posted by ejay1

I have a question about ur fishless cycle thing...if I drop a raw shrimp in my aquarium...where do the bacteria come from.

I have absolutely nothing in my aquarium besides salt water.

Given an ammonia source (rotting shrimp), bacteria from the air will populate whatever means of biological filtration you have - whether it be rock, a biowheel, wet/dry bioballs, etc.

[roka64]

I would look into base or lace rock for a majority of your rock and seed it (once cycled) with a few pieces of cured LR.

[fijiwigi]

Originally Posted by roka64

I have to disagree with the statement about never getting rid if ammonia and nitrAtes.
The ammonia will be converted to nitrItes and then to nitrAtes fast enough that there should be no readings of the first two. NitrAtes are the end result of that conversion and can be removed with PWCs and or macro algae or a DSB.
.

This is true probably should have worded my reply a bit different.

[roka64]

LOL, no problem, I just wanted to avoid and confusion!