Cycling W/O Damsels

[IndyJay71]

What are the other alternatives to cycling without Damsels? Hermit crabs and Live Rock? I can see the rationale for not using Damsels, as mean as they are.

 

[stevefromga2000]

so far, i have heard of two ways. the most popular is with the live rock. the other way that i've heard is with a dead shrimp, not exactly sure how that works, but it seems to be pretty popular. however, it is not a good idea to cycle a saltwater tank with fish. as far as i know, it has nothing to do with how mean the fish are, but rather that they are fish and chances are that they might die. hopefully somebody that has started more tanks than me will help you out, but i would stick with just the live rock. welcome to aquarium advice by the way. good luck

 

[austinsdad]

Uncured live rock will cycle a tank. Not cured. Grocery store shrimp too. Don't put any hermits or other livestock for that matter in until after cycled. Read this.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/article_view.php?faq=2&fldAuto=15

 

[IndyJay71]

Okay thanks a lot!!

 

[roka64]

The dead shrimp will create an ammonia source which will kick start the good bacteria and the cycle.
I cycle without fish, since it is inhumane.

 

[melosu58]

I cycle without fish, since it is inhumane.