How many fish to use during 90G cycle?

[jacastleman]

I've been running my new setup for a couple of weeks just to check the heaters, powerheads, filters and air pumps are all working fine and now I'm ready to add some hardy fish to start my cycle.

I've decided to use Zebra Danio as they are inexpensive and I don't mind them being in the tank once cycled.

My question is how many should I use for the intital cycle?

I have a 48"x18"x24" 90g tank which with gravel, driftwood and rocks I'm estimating about 75g of water.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[seds]

You can use a cocktail shrimp or two, or even buy pure ammonia. Just because a fish is little and cheap doesn't mean it can be sacrificed. Sadly I never did a fishless cycle, I just cycled (with fish) years ago and used my original tank to instant cycle other ones, and spread from there.

Maybe you could use like 6 of them. If there was too many the ammonia would certainly kill most of them. IDK. I wouldn't try more than 15.


There is something called a silent cycle involving plants but I forget how it is done. GO HERE
http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_silent_cycling.php

 

[Juxtaroberto]

Why not just buy pure ammonia?

 

[Austin]

You can use a cocktail shrimp or two, or even buy pure ammonia. Just because a fish is little and cheap doesn't mean it can be sacrificed. Sadly I never did a fishless cycle, I just cycled (with fish) years ago and used my original tank to instant cycle other ones, and spread from there.

Maybe you could use like 6 of them. If there was too many the ammonia would certainly kill most of them. IDK. I wouldn't try more than 15.

agreed, throw a few shrimp in there or just use pure ammonia. less trouble imo.

 

[fishyjoe26]

friz turbo start is also good. but kind of expensive and for a 90 gallon you would have to buy a bottle or 2 maybe 3 bottles.