LFS says buy a "starter fish" to cycle tank. Cruel?

Killgore Trout

Hey guys, this is my first post and I'm glad to be here!

So after months of planning, my first saltwater tank is up and running (20 gal tall). Right now its only been a week with LR/LS, NO FISH.

I'm not seeing any ammonia at all in my tank (waiting for my cycle), and the LFS guy is telling me to get a clown or damsel as a "starter fish"

I feel like this is kind of cruel as the cycle in a tank can be abrasive.

Should I buy a "starter fish?"

Thanks guys.

PS. I bought two turbo snails today on a whim ($1 each) and am assimilating them to my tank now, will these guys help the ammonia / cycle start?

petlover516

yes they will, but i doubt they will survive the cycle.

onefish2fish

where did the rock come from? an established tank?

put a raw shrimp ( the kind from the supermarket ) in the tank. this will feed your cycle.

mind sharing more on your setup?
welcome to the forum.

Killgore Trout

Hey thanks,
I have a 20 gal tall FOWLR tank that is almost 1 week old. I got the rock from a LFS here and its fairly hearty.

I put some Omega 1 fish food in the tank today (7 pellets)
Do you think putting a shrimp in here with the pellets is overkill?

princesuhaib

can you tell us how you have your tank set up and what equipment you are using please?
thank you

Pasfur

I agree. The ammonia and nitrite cycle will vary depending on the setup. My 180 never had a reading of ammonia or nitrite, due to the amount of live rock used. This is not uncommon.

Killgore Trout

Right now all I have running is my Koralia 1 powerhead and my Top Fin 20 hang on filter, but the filter doesn't have any media in it.

I'm kind of banking on the LR doing all the work. I have about 15-16 pounds right now.

I just put two turbos in there today, and they're definitely eating stuff off the rocks, so I assume they're happy

Any diagnosis?