Starting new tank

[Nanook]

howdy. Aside from tap water treated with dechlorinator, what do you use to cycle the tank?

 

[mattybecks]

Old filter media/substrate/wood deco. Etc from a previous tank which has bacteria cultures on it.
Or add One or two small fish to get the cycle going in a sterile tank.

 

[Nanook]

Thanks. I'm tankless at present. 450 gallons is a big cycle, so not sure if I should just wait it out or use some beneficial bacteria.

 

[stempy]

I threw a price of shrimp in mine for about a week and let nature take its course.

 

[stempy]

Piece....stupid autocorrect.

 

[Nanook]

The LFS has something called Start Smart for freshwater, they use it on new builds for customers.

 

[markstrimaran]

Only depends, on how long you want too wait, before adding fish.
A table spoon of damp dirt from your yard will speed up the process. Or buy some ready mix bacteria culture.

 

[DJRansome]

Wow, hasn't anyone heard of fishless cycling with ammonia?

 

[markstrimaran]

That's my method, but it lacks the instant gratification. That most are accustomed to.
It will definitely add $10.00 to the initial start up costs.

 

[J. H.]

Filter media or substrate from an established for seed and cut bits of raw fish for ammonia.