how long does it take for a tank to cycle???

[Twisted0liver]

i went to the store last night looking for a ammonia, nitrite, nitrate test kit, all i could find was one that tested the ammonia level...would that be good enough?? when that reaches 0 then the cycle should be complete?

 

[tcarswell]

Go for the API liquid test kit. You can get it at bigalsonline.com or dr fosters for around 20 bucks its worth every penny and a bag of chips .

 

[CDickes1988]

i went to the store last night looking for a ammonia, nitrite, nitrate test kit, all i could find was one that tested the ammonia level...would that be good enough?? when that reaches 0 then the cycle should be complete?

When your ammonia reads 0, your nitrite reads 0, and your nitrate reads 10-20 for a week or two you are cycled. Nitrate readings may vary depending on how much ammonia you are using.

 

[Pieface]

My 180 just took pretty much bang on 5 weeks cycling with fish. I think I made two ~30% water change during the last two weeks. Get the test kits...takes all the guessing out of it

 

[perez627]

My 55gl took 3 weeks with a bottle of cycle & 4 yellow labs.