starting a tank

[flame82]

well i am going to help someone start a tank this week and would like some input. i started my tank with bio-spira and add fish a few days later once everything was level.
now i have heard alot of people using raw shrimp. so is all you guys used was just raw shrimp and nothing else.

 

[Morticus]

Sand, saltwater and raw shrimp is all you need to get the cycle going.

 

[JohnNLuc]

raw shrimp is what is primarily used like Morticus stated. Although some of us have been known to use damsels.

 

[sharkbate]

I just used live rock, there was plenty of ammonia from the die off.

 

[lando]

Bio-spira is exspensive and comes with mixed reviews. It the product really did what they claim then it would have a lot more support here. It is just a waste of money. I suggest spending the money on LR instead. It will be much better for your tank in the long run. The cocktail shrimp method is by far the cheapest way to go and it works great. Check out the "Articles" section on the top of the page for info on fishless cycling.