Refresh my memory on cycling a new tank?

[tlindsey]

Your local LFS might be able to hook you up with some seeded media or water that seeded media has been rinsed out in.

I recommend not getting seeded media from the big box stores because their aquariums are on one filtration system. I always see sick or dead fish at these stores. The smaller lfs are your better option imo I know one in my area where I have never seen sick or dead fish.

 

[Desert Bus]

I recommend not getting seeded media from the big box stores because their aquariums are on one filtration system. I always see sick or dead fish at these stores. The smaller lfs are your better option imo I know one in my area where I have never seen sick or dead fish.

I should have worded that a bit better. I don't consider the big chains like Petsmart/Petco/etc to be local LFS's, i'm talking about the small independent places like you said.

 

[Bluesandtwo]

I've always plonked some hardy sacrificial fish in (zebra danios, platys etc) and let them do their thing for 4-6 weeks. Obviously doing water changes so as to avoid cruelty, but also feeding them well to make sure they waste lots etc.

Works every time for me. Live plants or aquaponics (devils ivy or lucky bamboo) will be your friend too.

 

[eon aquatics]

you can buy bacteria to add such as ada bacter 100