New SW Tank

Hey All!

I just started up my first SW tank. My tank is 40 gallons, I have a 10 gallon tank for a sump with about 6 or 7 gallons in there. I have 40lbs of live sand and 20lbs of live rock in there right now (more coming soon) I was planning on getting a protein skimmer in about a month or so after my tank cycles. I read on another forum somewhere that I could use some hermit crabs to help the cycling process along. I want to setup a reef tank and was wondering if the hermit crabs would eat the livestock I put in there??? I was also told that I could put some damsels in there but I'm worried that the ammonia spike might kill them.

Any thoughts?

 

I wouldn't add hermits or any other type of invert to a tank cycling through, as it will ultimately lead to a loss of life! Damsels are a rough, rugged and tough fish hardy enough to withstand the stresses associated witha cycle and its elevated ammonia, nitrites and nitrates breakdown. It is said that Triggers and Grouper and possibly Lion fish are also able to adapt to the changing water parameters!
I would shy away from the more delicate fish, inverts and corals until you are sure that the water readings are in range and the cycle is over.
Then and only then would I add other forms of livestock. Testing and a 20% waterchange after the cycle subsides will also help wonderfully and hook up that protein skimmer asap!
Good luck!

 

I agree with coral reefer. Another option I have seen/ heard was using clowns as they are not going to be as aggressive to the other tank mate when they are added. Just a thought!

 

I would like to get a couple clowns in the long run anyway but I was told they'd probably die. Have you actually seen them survive the cycling process?

Do you think that live rock/sand is enough to get through cycling or should I try putting in some of that commercial stuff or fish food or something to help it along also?

 

Clowns and damsels are very hardy fish and can definitely withstand the cycling process. I stay away from using fish to cycle a tank, as even though they are hardy, they still suffer during the process, as ammonia gets into their gills. I would stay away from damsels anyway. Those fish can be extremely territorial...I have a buddy with a 3-stripe damsel with 3 lionfish. The lionfish do not bother the damsel. They are tough to the point of being bullies. You can certainly cycle your tank with damsels, then take them back to the LFS for store credit; perhaps a trade for a clown.
Add a chunk of LR to your tank, allow it to cycle naturally and slowly. It will take a little time, but you will be rewarded later. When you add your specimens, add them one at a time...watch your water parameters...be patient. Hermit crabs to not aid on the cycling process. They may help your DSB stay cleaner after the cycle is over. If you do get crabs, stick with red or blue legged crabs. They do clean algae from your rock very well. They don't always stir up the sand as you want.

 

You could also add a piece of frozen/fresh dead shrimp from your local supermarket Seafood department. That will, in essence, do the same thing as adding live fish!

 

I would use the shrimp method that coral reefer spoke of. Damsels are royal PITAs! They shouldn't even be sold by lfs. They're too territorial & will cause problems with other fish you want to add later.