[imprezachic991]

So, I got an ABSOLUTE DEAL on a 75ga setup! I spent 325 for the aquarium(pre drilled), the stand, a 15 gallon sump, a chillar (aqualogic ,price at 700+) 100lbs of rock (was live then dry about a month) and the lighting (had to replace 3 of the 4 four prong bulbs). Anyway, my husband and I are moving into our new house Friday and I've had everything for about 3 weeks. I've been curing the rocks for about two. It's done! I have about 70lbs of the rock in an 18 gallon tub with a power head, thermometer and heater. I tested the water, the ammonia is 0, the nitrite is 0 and the nitrates are moderately high (i haven't changed the water in about 3 days) so hopefully that will change. I changed 5 gallons of the water (that was 1/3 that I put in) everyday. I have 100lbs of sand ready to put in the aquarium as soon as I move into the house. Anyone have an idea about how long it will take the tank to cycle?? I currently have a 14 gallon biocube that is pretty much self efficient and I will need to move the fish (purlple stripe pseudo, dominoe damsel), anemone (purple tip), and my starfish (red brittle-> he's about the size of a man's hand) by May 16th....Any ideas??

[Jeremy0322]

If you are setting the tank up soon you should be alright by May 16th, especially if the rock is already cured. I did the same thing and it took me around 3-4 weeks for it to be fish ready. That is one heck of a deal too by the way, good job. And also, welcome to RB.

[mattpenn]

when you move the fish out of your 14g i wouldnt put that domino damzel in there i had to take all my lr and empty alot of water to get 1 out of my tank they say they are the pit bull of fish and i believe it when i put my hand in the tank he would nibble on me every time scarred me more than hurt me of course and he killed every other damzel i had and messed with all my other fish to.

[imprezachic991]

Thanks!!! My dominoe seems pretty tame. He pretty much stays to himself.

[Taras1]

I'll second Matt. Damsels are a great "beginner" fish because they're hardy BUT, I found damsels to be big bullies, generally speaking and had to get rid of mine.

[pyromaniac398]

Michelle I agree with the other two. I would take the damsel out while you have an opportunity to do so. The damsel may be tame now in your 14g but once it starts to grow in your 75g it will start to bully other fish. Generally with damsels if they are small they usually don't bother other fish, but once they grow and become decently sized they generally turn into big bullies. I had to reluctantly pull my blue devil damsel out of my 50 because any new fish I would add would be terrorized almost to the point of death. For some reason my damsel always singled out my perculas.

[Taras1]

Logan - I guess that's why they're called "Blue Devils." I guess the body shape had something to do with it.

[imprezachic991]

I appreciate all the advice! I get to set up the tank tonight or tomorrow (depending on how tired I get from moving it tonight). I am getting really excited! I will post pics to keep everyone up to date!
Also, I do have a question. I have had my puple tip anemone for about 8 months, and he is doing very well (seems to be). He has turned a yellow color and has been that way for a few months now. I noticed the other day that my actinic light went out...could that be the reason? Is there a way to get him normal?

[ravyn]

100lbs of rock (was live then dry about a month

What you have is base rock, which I think you realize, except that you were running it in tubs, which since it had dried out for a month, might not have been necessary. So long as you realize you don't have l"live rock" and don't expect the benefits you're good.

Are you planning on using live sand or just sand?

If you're using your base rock, and plain sand, you're going to need to do something to kick start the cycle, and personally I don't recommend live fish.

Even if you're planning on using live sand, I'd rec buying some live rock to seed your base rock.