Nim Chimpsky
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
I recently set up a 25 gallon eclipse tank. Following the saltwater FAQ that's everywhere on the internet, I got the temperature, specific gravity and ph levels correct, and then let the tank sit for about a week because I was too busy to work on it. Two days ago I bought two damsels to start the nitrogen cycle and put them in. So now I come here and learn that my damsels have a good chance of dying during the ammonia spike! The FAQ didn't say there were ways of cycling without using live fish. It also made it seem like live rock is optional, so I didn't put any in.
What should I do? So far the fish seem active and healthy, although one has bullied the other into hiding (I read that damsels were territorial so I asked the guy at the shop if getting different types would help - he said there was a 50/50 chance. Turns out I probably should have avoided the 4-striped one altogether; this guy is pretty mean and the poor blue one just cowers beneath a rock.). Any help is appreciated.
What should I do? So far the fish seem active and healthy, although one has bullied the other into hiding (I read that damsels were territorial so I asked the guy at the shop if getting different types would help - he said there was a 50/50 chance. Turns out I probably should have avoided the 4-striped one altogether; this guy is pretty mean and the poor blue one just cowers beneath a rock.). Any help is appreciated.