lastlight's 225

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

If ammonia and nitrite are zero I would recommend you start adding fish slowly. I think you really need to start to add them as soon as possible after getting to that point so that you keep the bacteria colonies going. It has always worked for me anyways...as long as I went slow

[lastlight]

My idea of slow is a fish per month. Is that normal?

This new nitrite kit just became my most prized possession.

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Originally Posted by lastlight

My idea of slow is a fish per month. Is that normal?

This new nitrite kit just became my most prized possession.

My idea was more like fish per week

Actually I think it depends on the size. A bunch of blue eyed cardinals may put about the same load on a tank as a large tang.

As the tank gets more established, you can add more fish at once. For now, I would go one a week depending on size but that is just my experience.

Add the tangs last if possible and at once if more than one. Again just my opinion.

Eventually the Alk test kit with become your prized possession if you get heavy into SPS

[TheMikey]

You sure it was 400g? I want to get to sleep tonight too and I sure as hell can't find it.

[JDigital]

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

Eventually the Alk test kit with become your prized possession if you get heavy into SPS

I hate my Alk test kit... I always chase it trying to make the number go UP!

[kien]

My Alk and Calc test kits sit next to the baby bottle drying rack in the kitchen (clean baby bottles - rinse - dry - test aquarium Alk - rinse - dry - repeat)

[Lance]

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

If ammonia and nitrite are zero I would recommend you start adding fish slowly. I think you really need to start to add them as soon as possible after getting to that point so that you keep the bacteria colonies going. It has always worked for me anyways...as long as I went slow

I agree. If nitrites & ammonia are zero, it's time to add a fish or two. Maybe those damsels you wanted. (They are tough little bastards).
I've used Cycle numerous times and it does seem to speed the process up.

[lastlight]

Just to clarify...my nitrites are at 0.35 ish. But I was looking for advice on what to do when it is zero. It seems that regardless of whether I start with all live rock or all dry with a bit of live...it means the same thing.

Naturally I have to wait far longer for coraline etc but I'm asking about fish and they require bacteria which I would have at that point.

[BlueAbyss]

When nitrite hits 0, I would definitely add something to keep the nitrogen cycle going.

And I have some Cycle in my fridge, it says for fresh or saltwater on the packaging.

[Delphinus]

Originally Posted by Lance

I've used Cycle numerous times and it does seem to speed the process up.

+1. I figure it can't hurt anyhow.