New to the hobby

[Drew31589]

Hello,
I started my 55g saltwater tank using Publix brand purified water. I was originally told by a friend that his tank was started on that and it is doing great, but I have read a few things saying that it is a very bad idea to use purified water. I didnt treat the water at all. I let it aerate in the tank for 24 hrs. then I mixed Instant Ocean sea salt. I let that settle, stirring every so often. 24 hours after that I added about 80lbs of CaribSea live sand to the tank. Then yesterday I added a few pounds (about 7-8) of live rock to get things started, along with (2) domino damsels. I have (2) Penguin 350 Power filters made by marineland and (2) 24 inch florecsent ligts. The damsels seem to be doing very well. They are eating and are very active in the tank. The tank has only been up for about 5 days now and I was wondering if it is normal for a tank to be coming along this quickly?

 

[Airborneguy]

It's not really coming along so to speak, it is just starting, but damsels are very hardy, and are commonly used to cycle a new tank. Do you have the proper test kits to track your cycle?

 

[Drew31589]

I have ph tests, a thermometer, and a hydrometer. Nitrite and ammonia tests are on my list of things I need. I will probably be going to the store today to pick them up. If not today soon.

One question about using damsels. I was told that I should use them to help cycle the tank because of their hardiness, but in reading some things Ive come across people saying that they are only a waste of time. Is that true?

 

[Lotus]

Yes, it's true about the damsels. There's no need to add them, and it's really just making their lives miserable.

 

[Airborneguy]

I wish I didn't use the damsels. It's my only regret. Now they are stuck in there and it's gonna be near impossible to get them out.

Absolutely, 100% necessary are Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate tests. Get them ASAP because you want to start tracking your cycle progress really soon here.

 

[Drew31589]

Well you could always take them out and trade them with someone else or sell them back to the fish store. You wont get what you paid for them of course.