Just started a tank

[Booker301]

I was told by my aquarist when cycling a tank if a fish dies to leave it in the tank. I'm just starting out and want to do the right thing. Is this true or should I remove the dead fish?

My tank is 2 weeks old. I am running a refugium set up.

 

[albano]

A real 'aquarist' would have told you not to have any fish in the tank while cycling it!... Who's giving you advise?

 

[Booker301]

Local place. Went to a couple different places. But the question still remains, should the dead fish be removed?

 

[Rookie2reef]

Removed put nite out in tank

 

[thirty6]

What Albano was saying is simply no fish should be in the tank at this point to die. Hopefully you didn't add any fish to cycle. Many, including myself put a raw table shrimp in tank. When it begins to decompose remove it and let tank cycle. Check your levels and add a clean up crew when time is right. Take your time, you can get lucky and have some success early cuttign corners but it will cause you frustration and cash in long run to correct the problems that can arise from rushing the process
You came to a great spot for advice many threads here on getting started, tell us about your tank and equipment ECt.... And welcome. Good luck with your tank

 

[Booker301]

Thanks for the advice.
72 gallon bow front
20 gallon Aqueon sump(set up for refugium)
Pf-800 overflow
Pond master pump.
Currently using basic strip lighting, but as the tank matures I will be setting it up more so as a reef then fish only.

 

[thirty6]

Did you fill up with RO water. if not, you may consider purchasing a small ro unit. This is one of those items that cost some up front but saves later down the road. I agree you can upgrade lighting as tank matures and you find out what exactly your interest will be. are you bare bottom or sand substrate? is anything in the tank now

 

[Booker301]

I have a sand substrate and some live rock. About 12 lbs, I'm adding rock seeing as I can't buy fish as of yet. I currently have 2 chromus in the tank, started with 3.

 

[thirty6]

I would look to add more rock. From what you have described I would not buy live rock as you can start an additional mini cycle. purchase some dry rock and scape the tank. I don't know if I would leave the chromis in the tank at this point, but that's your call. they are in and can most likely survive the stress to some level as many people used to cycle tanks with damsels. as the hobby progressed this method went by the way side. if you haven't used ro water, maybe consider getting a reactor with some sort of phosphate control media phosban or rowaphos, start battling it before nuisance algae begins. I suggest this as I was reading the rowaphos instructions last night and it suggest putting media on newly established tanks. just a thought though

 

[Booker301]

Thanks for all the info. I'm definitely going to be adding rock as Time goes along. I want to invest as much into my tanks habitat before putting more animals into the aquarium.