Starting to cycle 55gal

[vlcek81]

Ok my 55gal has clean sand, filled , filters on, heater on, and dechlorinated. I was thinking of using fish flakes in a mesh bag or pantyhose to start to cycle the tank.

I want to know how long do i keep the food in the bag in there? and when i test for ammonia and it see it is lowered, do i take the old food out and add new stuff?

Really want some good insite because i want to do it right the first time

 

[vlcek81]

bump.... Anyone have any lil tricks they do when cycling?

 

[vlcek81]

 

[Capeace13]

Im doing the fishless cycle, adding ammonia everyday.(got a bottle of 10% industrial ammonia from Ace Hardware for $2) Start with 5 drops per 10gallons till nitrites are readable, reduce to 3 drops per 10gal till you get 0ppm ammonia, 0ppm nitrites & 20-40ppm nitrates. Then a 50% water change & add your fish, takes a week or 2

 

[Capeace13]

Heres the link on here http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207575&highlight=fishless+cycling I saved you the reading, in the process myself

 

[vlcek81]

thx. exactly what i was looking for

 

[Toby_H]

I would highly suggest using ammonia and not fishfood... great advice above...