The best fish to cycle a saltwater tank with are hardy, inexpensive, and compatible with your desired tank inhabitants. Some examples are damselfish, chromis, clownfish, and blennies. However, before you add any fish to your tank, you need to understand what cycling is, why it is important, and how to do it properly. In this article, I will explain the basics of cycling a saltwater tank, the pros and cons of using fish to cycle, and the best practices for choosing and caring for your cycling fish.
What is cycling a saltwater tank and why is it important?
Cycling a saltwater tank is the process of establishing a biological filter that can break down the waste products of fish and other organisms. This filter consists of beneficial bacteria that live on the surfaces of your tank, such as the substrate, rocks, and decorations. These bacteria convert ammonia, which is toxic to fish, into nitrite, which is also toxic, and then into nitrate, which is less harmful. This process is called the nitrogen cycle.
Cycling a saltwater tank is important because it prevents ammonia and nitrite from accumulating to dangerous levels that can harm or kill your fish. Cycling also prepares your tank for adding more fish and other livestock in the future, as they will produce more waste and require more filtration. Cycling can take several weeks or months, depending on the size of your tank, the amount of bacteria you have, and the amount of waste you produce.
How to cycle a saltwater tank with fish?
There are different methods of cycling a saltwater tank, but one of the most common and traditional ways is to use fish. This method involves adding a few hardy fish to your tank and feeding them sparingly. The fish will produce ammonia through their gills and waste, which will stimulate the growth of bacteria. You will need to monitor the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in your tank using a test kit, and perform partial water changes to keep them within safe ranges. You will also need to maintain the proper salinity, temperature, pH, and other water parameters for your fish.
The cycle is complete when you can detect zero ammonia and nitrite, and some nitrate in your tank. This means that your bacteria are able to handle the bioload of your fish. At this point, you can gradually add more fish and other livestock to your tank, as long as you do not overload your filter and cause another spike in ammonia or nitrite.
What are the pros and cons of cycling a saltwater tank with fish?
Cycling a saltwater tank with fish has some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before choosing this method. Here are some of them:
Pros
Cycling with fish is easy and simple. You do not need to add any artificial sources of ammonia, such as pure ammonia, fish food, or shrimp, to your tank. You just need to add fish and feed them.
Cycling with fish is fast and reliable. You can start the cycle as soon as you add fish to your tank, and you can be sure that there is enough ammonia to feed the bacteria. You do not have to worry about dosing the right amount of ammonia or waiting for it to decay.
Cycling with fish is fun and rewarding. You can enjoy watching your fish swim and interact in your tank, and you can learn more about their behavior and needs. You can also bond with your fish and develop a sense of responsibility for them.
Cons
Cycling with fish is risky and stressful. You are exposing your fish to potentially lethal levels of ammonia and nitrite, which can damage their gills, organs, and immune system. You are also subjecting them to fluctuations in water parameters, which can cause them to become sick or die. You have to be vigilant and diligent in testing your water and changing it frequently to keep your fish alive and healthy.
Cycling with fish is expensive and wasteful. You are spending money on fish that you may not want to keep in your tank after the cycle, or that may not survive the cycle. You are also wasting water and salt by performing frequent water changes, which can increase your utility bills and environmental impact.
Cycling with fish is unethical and cruel. You are using living creatures as disposable tools to achieve your goal of cycling your tank. You are putting them through unnecessary suffering and pain, and you are depriving them of their natural habitat and behavior. You are also contributing to the overexploitation and depletion of wild fish populations, which can have negative effects on the marine ecosystem and biodiversity.
If you decide to cycle your saltwater tank with fish, you need to choose and care for them properly. Here are some tips to help you:
Choose hardy, inexpensive, and compatible fish. You want fish that can tolerate high levels of ammonia and nitrite, that do not cost a lot of money, and that can coexist peacefully with your desired tank inhabitants. Some examples are damselfish, chromis, clownfish, and blennies. Avoid fish that are sensitive, expensive, or aggressive, such as tangs, angels, triggers, and lionfish.
Choose small, few, and young fish. You want fish that do not produce a lot of waste, that do not take up a lot of space, and that have a better chance of adapting to your tank. This will reduce the bioload on your filter and the stress on your fish. Aim for one inch of fish per 10 gallons of water, and avoid fish that grow too large or too fast for your tank.
Choose healthy and quarantined fish. You want fish that are free of diseases, parasites, and injuries, and that have been acclimated and treated in a separate tank before adding them to your main tank. This will prevent the introduction of pathogens and pests to your tank, and the transmission of infections and infestations to your fish. Look for fish that are active, alert, and colorful, and avoid fish that are lethargic, dull, or disfigured.
Feed your fish sparingly and remove uneaten food. You want to provide your fish with enough nutrition to keep them alive and healthy, but not so much that they produce excess waste and ammonia. Feed your fish once or twice a day, and only as much as they can consume in a few minutes. Remove any leftover food from your tank using a net or a siphon, as it will decay and pollute your water.
Test your water regularly and change it as needed. You want to monitor the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in your tank using a test kit, and perform partial water changes to keep them within safe ranges. Aim for zero ammonia and nitrite, and less than 20 ppm of nitrate. Change 10 to 20 percent of your water every few days, or whenever you detect a spike in ammonia or nitrite. Use dechlorinated tap water or RO/DI water, and match the salinity, temperature, and pH of your tank water.
Maintain the proper water parameters for your fish. You want to provide your fish with the optimal conditions for their survival and well-being. Maintain the salinity between 1.020 and 1.025 specific gravity, the temperature between 75 and 80°F, and the pH between 8.0 and 8.4. Use a hydrometer, a thermometer, and a pH meter to measure these parameters, and adjust them as needed using salt, heaters, coolers, and buffers.
Be patient and attentive. You want to wait until your tank is fully cycled before adding more fish and other livestock to your tank. This can take several weeks or months, depending on the size of your tank, the amount of bacteria you have, and the amount of waste you produce. Do not rush the process or add too many fish at once, as this can cause another spike in ammonia or nitrite, and endanger your fish. Watch your fish closely for any signs of stress, disease, or aggression, and take appropriate actions to remedy them.
Cycling a saltwater tank with fish is a common and traditional method that has its pros and cons. It is easy, fast, and fun, but it is also risky, expensive, and unethical. If you choose to cycle your tank with fish, you need to choose hardy, inexpensive, and compatible fish, and care for them properly. You need to feed them sparingly, test your water regularly, change it as needed, and maintain the proper water parameters for your fish. You also need to be patient and attentive, and wait until your tank is fully cycled before adding more fish and other livestock to your tank.
I hope this article was helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for reading and happy cycling!
