Tank start up

[skymanfromnowhere]

What is the best way to get N cycle started.
125 gal tall
pro-clear wet/dry filter with skimmer
130 watts 10k
130 watts blue light
130 50/50
moon light
I plan on fish only and maybe add some LR

 

[skymanfromnowhere]

pro-clear 150 wet/dry

 

[yote]

If it was me,,,,i'd put a couple of damsels in there,,,or maybe a piece of raw shrimp

 

[jhnrb]

If in a hurry you can dose with a marine bacteria, lfs should have, or mail order, otherwise I prefer saltwater mollies for breakin, or, some ocean shrimp. about a one inch long piece x 2. one at each quarter end.

 

[skymanfromnowhere]

About how long will it take to cycle to add my first real fish. I know I have to do this slowly. Anxious to get one specific fish in that tank as soon as possible. A friend moved and I have his 8-10 inch lion fish at LFS paying $1.00 day for him to be in a small display tank with tons of kids tapping on the glass. :frustrat: I think he would like the 125 better

 

[jhnrb]

If you used any cured live rock or sand you could probably add the fish now, if not you can add the fish when the bacteria has cycled. You cound dose with the marine liquid for 125 and also throw in the two pieces of shrimp. you can add the fish when the shrimp are gone and the ammonia and nitrites are at 0. also nitrates should not be over 20PPM for fish only.