Go me!

How much live rock would be recommended for a 55?

The girl at the pet store said the easiest way to cycle a tank is with damsels mainly because they're tougher than other fish and they're cheap. I started out with two, but come to find out nobody told me they are aggressive nor territorial. I now only have one for that reason. You can guess what happen to the other.

Also, since this is a small tank, i am testing the water twice a week and monitoring everything but, I do know since it is small I must watch it carefully.
 
It is unfortunate she recommended that to someone. You didn't know, but she should have that a fishless cycle is just as effective if not more and it doesn't cause a fish to have to live in a tank that isn't ready to accomodate it, nor does it create a situation where the fish isn't wanted at the end.

If you want to use the live rock as a filter you'll generally want 1-2#s per gallon. How much really depends on how porous it is. Porous rock with lots of nooks and crannies will weigh less than a a piece about the same size that is dense and compact.
 
Yeah. This is the reason why I am here. Is to learn before I setup my 55. It's funny though how at the store they have about 20 damsels in a tank smaller than what I have and they tell me mine is way too small.

Can you, or anyone perhaps point me in the direction for a good fishless cycle?
 
I just want to say "welcome to the salty side", I'm just getting going on mine too...but it is fun, just wait till you get your LR and start to see "critters" its GREAT!!

Good luck with everything....
 
Yeah. This is the reason why I am here. Is to learn before I setup my 55. It's funny though how at the store they have about 20 damsels in a tank smaller than what I have and they tell me mine is way too small.

Can you, or anyone perhaps point me in the direction for a good fishless cycle?

The difference in the store tank is that the fish aren't there that long, what they can survive in until someone buys them is a bit different than what they need to survive long term. Plus..if they cram them in there like they do they don't have as much fighting because they don't have anywhere to stake as territory. =)

For fishless cycle, the stickies at the top of the page include information on it. I prefer to use pure ammonia as the source myself.
 
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