Why should I cycle my tank before putting fish in?
In order for an aquarium to be successful it must contain colonies of bacteria that break down the ammonia and nitrite produced by fish waste and excess food. These bacteria grow and colonize during the period known as "cycling" which can take up to a month. Adding fish to a tank that is not cycled can lead to health problems or even death.

When will I know if my tank is ready for fish?
A tank is completely cycled when ammonia and nitrites are no longer present. We will be glad to test your water for these and let you know if your tank is ready for fish. We also sell testing kits which make testing even easier!

How many fish can I put in my tank?
There is more to this than the "1 inch per gallon" rule. Compatability depends on temperment, food types, and water conditions the fish require. Some fish grow very rapidly and may seem cute in the store but end up eating your other fish months later. We will be glad to answer any questions you may have about the compatibility of specific residents in your aquarium.

Do I have to cycle my saltwater tank before putting fish in?
Yes. A saltwater aquarium must also be cycled before fish and other creatures can successfully be kept. Bacteria that breaks down waste must colonize in your tank to bring the ammonia and nitrite levels down. We will be happy to test your water for free and based on the readings we can suggest what your next step should be.

When will I know if my tank is ready for fish?
Normal numbers for a saltwater tank are pH 8.2-8.4. The ammonia reading should be 0 after cycling and no ammonia should be present thereafter. Nitrite levels should never exceed 10ppm. We will test your water for free, or so you can test at home we sell the most popular water test kits.

Do I have to cure live rock before putting it in my tank?
Yes. Before adding live rock to tank it must be cured. Without curing, live rock can be deadly to your tank and smells horrible due to coral die-off from shipping. Fortunately all the live rock we sell at Cutting Edge Aquatics is already cured for you! Its ready to take home and place in your saltwater aquarium.