Just set up a new tank and was wondering what the most effective additive. Or it it even the best way to fishless cycle? Thanks!
Best Biological additive (or best way to fish-less cycle)?
- Thread starter patrickd007
- Start date
What you want to do is get the tank running with new, dechlorinated water. Add your fish, then wait a day so that there is a little ammonia (just a trace!) for the bacteria you're about to introduce to eat. Then go to an established tank, take out a big mucky sponge and squeeze it out a few times in the new tank. The bacteria will instantly eat the ammonia and colonize your filtration. In about three days (often less) you won't see any ammonia or nitrItes. If you do, add more bacteria.
Remember that the sponge from the established tank may now be contaminated by your new fish, so you might want to think twice about putting it back in before cleaning it.
Remember that the sponge from the established tank may now be contaminated by your new fish, so you might want to think twice about putting it back in before cleaning it.
Used media from another tank has always worked for me. Bio-spira, Tetra safe start and Tims one and only are products that supposedly work.
Seeded media always works best as already suggested.
IMO, the only additive you need to complete a fishless cycle is pure ammonia, no chemical or other additives are required. I have done this many times without any problems. I can take up to 5 weeks tho.
I tried using different additives when completing a fishless cycle but all it did was mess-up my test results and prolong the cycle.
Just my $0.02
IMO, the only additive you need to complete a fishless cycle is pure ammonia, no chemical or other additives are required. I have done this many times without any problems. I can take up to 5 weeks tho.
I tried using different additives when completing a fishless cycle but all it did was mess-up my test results and prolong the cycle.
Just my $0.02