New Tank

[lionrm]

Hello!
I am planning on getting my first puffer fish, a figure 8. I have my tank all set up with the correct sand, pH, temperature and salinity and it has been filtering for a couple days. I plan on ordering my fish from the exotic pet store in a day or two. I was reading online something about bacteria though. Should I get live rocks to supply this? I'm confused on what to do about this, I don't want my puffer to die! Any advice would be appreciated!

[julianchan]

Bacteria is to do with the nitrogen cycle of an aquarium. Live rock is something used in salt water aquariums. Before adding fish to an aquarium, you need to cycle it first.

This will help you understand the nitrogen cycle in an aquarium

http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

This is a very good article on fishless cycling, which is the best way to proceed with cycling a tank

library/water-filtration/fishless-cycling/

[Pufferpunk]

So glad you found us! I highly suggest doing a lot more research if you want this to work out well. Start with our Library. There is an article on F8s in there. Also, read the one on fishless cycling & foods for your puffer.

[Drix]

Definatly follow the Fishless cycling article. It is very well written, And you know your gonna introduce into a safe enviroment.

[liquid88]

Yes, the cycling process...hold off on getting the fish for a few weeks or you WILL lose it.