Safest Way to Seed Tank

[btkrausen]

So my tank has been going for almost two months, but since I started with everything dead, I have no pods or any other little guys for natural filtration.

What is the best way to seed? Would it be safer to seed using purchased pods online rather than use live sand or rock? I want to avoid bringing over any pests and such. What should I buy to get a wide variety of stuff?

Thoughts?

 

[Rockadile]

big ball of cheato imo

 

[btkrausen]

big ball of cheato imo

Thanks. Exactly what I'm looking for online right now

 

[Rockadile]

your lfs or any local guy can probably hook you up for next to nothing

 

[btkrausen]

Nah, haven't seen any in the LFS and I know there is already a thread on our local forum looking for some. Most people online sell for like $5-$10 a quart bag. Not too shabby.

 

[swannyson7]

With a ball of chaeto you have to be careful of pests though. IIRC you're setting up a FOWLR, but redbugs, nudis, flatworms, etc. can easily piggyback in chaeto. I agree that it's the best option for seeding with good diversity, but I'd be weary of buying online from an unknown source. You may be best off getting a bit of sand from a trusted local reefer if chaeto isn't available at the moment.

 

[Rockadile]

you probably wont see any at your lfs, but if you ask they may have some.

 

[AZDesertRat]

I always use a couple cups of real live sand from a trusted friends system I am familiar with. In fact I usually get a cup from two or three different people for more diversity then return that favor with others to keep it going. Nvere had a pest problem yet in the many years I have been doing this.

 

[Saltgator]

Wish you were closer, I'd give you a entire mass that I'm throwing out soon. Mine even comes with feather calupera. I've never tried to ship something live, so I wouldn't know which way to go on that. I agree with Swannyson7, flat worms and even different worms can come in.

 

[btkrausen]

Thanks guys. I know I need to establish the natural filtration soon as I add more fish. I'll be in Dallas (again) this week, so I may stop by the LFS down there. I'll also post on my local forum about getting some live sand.

This is why I was thinking about buying pods from a vendor instead of getting from somebody, it seems safer that way, but then again, you get exactly what you buy and not a big diversity of critters.