LR, Light, Damsels, New Setup.

[Pane in the Glass]

Hi Folks,

I need some definitive answers on going from a minimalist tank to a new reef setup after a lengthy kitchen renovation:

I have a 90 gallon corner tank and the hood is going back to my dealer to be retrofitted with new lighting and a small exhaust fan. Next week, the guys from the dealer will be setting up my tank again, this time with about 75 lbs of LR, about an inch or so of live sand. I will be using tap water for the refill, our tap water is Culligan treated and is extremely soft.

I had mentioned to my dealer that I had read here numerous postings that say no artificial light is needed for the LR during the cycling period. He thought I was nuts, said, how did I expect the LR to survive? And he wants me to use at least 10 damsels during the cycling.

My dealer is a very reputable guy in the NYC metro area that services a huge following.

Who do I listen to?

Thanks for the help in advance!

<>

[Stang69]

he wants me to use at least 10 damsels during the cycling.


IMO and many others on here there is no need to abuse the fish thru the cycle the Live Rock will cycle the tank alone. LR doesnt need light but the hitch hiking corals if any will need the light.


Jeff

[PJ]

Pane in the Glass:

Here is a link to a great article on the Curing and Cycling of Live Rock.

http://www.netpets.com/fish/referen...f/curerock.html

It was provided to me by another member of the TRT.

From what I've learned over the last week or so, people who followed the article have been pleased with the LR cycling process.

Good Luck

P.J.

[chrisf9801]

That link didn't work, try this, I think it is the same article;

http://netpets.org/fish/reference/reefref/curerock.html

[tims]

welcome.....

i would not use any damsels..... the rock and some patience will do nicly....
that is almost funny.........what keeps the rock alive..... sounds like he needs to read up a little more...


is the LR coming from a tank so that it is already fully cured.?.. even if it is coming from another tank , you could see a small cycle anyways..

going to show us some pictures when it is in place?

if you are really worried about the lighting, maybe use a short light periode...

HTH

[WilyGuy]

Originally posted by tims
welcome.....

i would not use any damsels..... the rock and some patience will do nicly....

Ah, Stuck between a Rock and the Patience place!

[tims]

[grazhopr]

Originally posted by Pane in the Glass

And he wants me to use at least 10 damsels during the cycling.

My dealer is a very reputable guy in the NYC metro area that services a huge following.

Who do I listen to?

Thanks for the help in advance!

<>

Hi PITG !!! and welcome !

10 damsels in a 90 gal tank?
2 damsels made my old 55 gal Fish only tank a nightmare for any tankmate I tried to put in. Damsels are very territorial and not considered the best choice for a reef tank stock. If the rock is uncured, it should suffice for the tank to cycle on its own (no fish or any other creature whatsoever). Not to mention you´ll not have to go thru the painful task of catching those ****-sels once you realize they´re a PITA and want to get rid of them.
On the substrate matter, there are a couple of interesting threads in the Think tank section about barebottom setups that seem to be the best approach for healthier reef tanks nowadays.
I´ve already decided to go BB when I finish putting up my new 120 gal tank.
You need to make sure the water you´re going to use is as pristine as prescribed for reef tanks. Reef tanks are unforgiving when it comes to slight concentrations of nutrients in the water/chemicals/metals. Please, be 1000% sure your tap water is suitable for your system. If your tap water´s as good as Reverse Osmosis/Deionized water, then ignore my observation.

my 2 cents....