Live Rock for a Beginner... Thanks!

[burritojon]

I am trying to set up my first salt water tank and I am trying to get as much input from experienced people as I can to help minimize mistakes... I have a 55 gallon tank that is going to be fish only. I have read that adding live rock to the tank would help establish more biological filtration... I have not yet started the tank, but have all the supplies. My real question is: can I set up my tank and cycle it with a couple fish and the live rock right off the bat? or should I cycle it and once it is established add the live rock as an after though? Thanks in advance! these messages boards have been incredibly helpful! great community

jon

[ReefLady]

Jon, welcome to Aquarium Advice - and you're a "neighbor" too!

To try & best answer your question:

can I set up my tank and cycle it with a couple fish and the live rock right off the bat? or should I cycle it and once it is established add the live rock as an after though?

IMO, the best way to cycle a tank is with uncured LR. Cycling with fish is not only pretty cruel, but not necessary.

I don't have a lot of personal experience with FO systems, but if I were going to have one, I would probably do FOWLR for sure. LR is not only a great biological filter, but also creates a great natural environment for the fish.

Here's a great article found here on AA: >>How to cycle your tank with out the use of fish.<<

HTH!!