firefish to cycle a tank?

Any reason this wouldn't work?

 

I'm not sure how hardy they are compared to damsel fish, the traditional fish used to cycle a tank. It's up to you, I wouldn't do because the fish may die, but it will work.

 

I was more or less asking if they are harty enough, or what the general idea was on that.

 

NO. My LFS told me they would be okay, and they died in a few days as soon as the first spike showed up. IMO you really shouldn't cycle with fish at all (which i've learned since I started my tank), but rather with live rock. Although some fish like damsels can survive it there are two reasons not to do it with fish. 1. Many people just return damsels once they're done cycling as they are very aggressive, and what kind of life is that for the fish, bouncing from tank to tank until one nasty cycle finally kills you. If you arn't going to return them... 2. Although they can survive it, its very stressful for them. Its like having a dose of poison pumped through you that is just too little to kill you but enough to cause severe discomfort (a little harsh, but it gets the point across). A good way to do this is to throw some shrimp that you get at the supermarket in the tank. This will be food for the bacteria that need to multiply and is a good substitute for fish waste. Some people also add some ammonia every day that is also food for the bacteria. These are two better ways, and if you have the patience to have an empty tank for a few weeks, they would be a good choice.

Good Luck

LCP

 

Why don't you just get some uncured live rock and cycle your tank that way?

 

Thats how I cycled my tank, worked like a charm.

 

The general consensus is that just doing it with LR does not supply the ecosystem with a steady supply of ammonia, rather a sudden shotgun like effect of ammonia. Using a single, small fish will supply that steady, constant supply needed to get the bacterial cycle to start in a healthier, more stable way.
Just use a YTD. They are hardier, and cheaper, if in case it does not make it.

 

The shrimp works Really good.. !!
That's the way I went and no problems..

AND like everyone told me ..." take it Slow " ..

Good Luck, Larry

 

I just did a little reading and I wouldn't use a firefish, they are fairly hardy fish normally, but there is a pretty big chance they won't make it, or will get too stressed out. If you want to use a fish, use a yellow tailed damsel. That's what I used and I kept him. I love that fish!

 

Ok thanks everyone. I have lf and a yellow tail, I just am kind of impatient. I know that is the last thing you want to be in this hobby but I can't help it. I have done my test and I think it is at a decent level where I can and another fish to help cycle. Not the best level mind you but I think that with a hardy enough fish it will be do able.

nitrite is at 1.6
ammonia is at 0.1