Cycling a Cichlid Tank

[aussiesk8]

Hi there im new to all of this, Can anyone advise me on how to go about cycling a Cichlid tank, what im wanting to know is if i would be able to do it with mollies or something prior to putting in cichlids? Im looking to get yellow labs once its cycled. Or am i better just doing a fishless cycle. Id be grateful to hear experienced people's opinion that they find most successful.

My tank is a Juwel Rio 180

Thanks, Andy

 

[andyjs]

I prefer fishless cycling with pure ammonia (ammonia diluted with water. no other additives) when setting up a new tank. If you can get some colonized filter media, gravel, etc. from an established tank, it will speed the cycle up a lot. I set up a tank a couple months ago and stuffed one of the filters on it with media from another tank. It was basically an instant cycle and I immediately put in a small bioload of fish.

 

[ageingone]

I just used water purifier to take out the nitrates and ammonia then added bacteria shop bought, then squeezed a sponge from another filter into my tank left it for a week then added fish slowly. Danio's are a good first fish as they are hardy and suited to most water types.

 

[aussiesk8]

I just used water purifier to take out the nitrates and ammonia then added bacteria shop bought, then squeezed a sponge from another filter into my tank left it for a week then added fish slowly. Danio's are a good first fish as they are hardy and suited to most water types.

Yeah thanks, ive been thinking recently, i have some other media from an old filter in my current tank, so i may use this as an aid, and introduce the danios.

Andy

 

[rucus]

Just use media from another established tank. Depending on the size of the tank you should be able to add a few yellow labs after 24 hours of running. Good luck.

 

[aussiesk8]

Just use media from another established tank. Depending on the size of the tank you should be able to add a few yellow labs after 24 hours of running. Good luck.

Yeah im planning on the yellow labs, i think ill use the danios, but as soon as im home from sea and begin the project ill be getting a decent test kit too. But i think by the sounds of things media from an established tank is the way to go.

Thanks