Starting to Cycle

[dr_sudz]

YIPPY! Starting to cycle my new 120 with a fishless cycle, I am using turtles to kick off the tank. They seem to really enjoy the large aquarium for the moment!

I got set it up last night and let the tank sit over night before adding the turtles. The filter I had running for about a week or a bit longer on a much smaller tank to start the cycle in the filter, heres hoping it wont take the usual 40 days.

Here is the setup last night

This is the largest turtle that is in there helping to cycle.

 

[WyldFya]

Interesting style of cycling. I'm curious to see how fast it cycles using the turtles.

 

[freshyfishy]

So the turtle took a small vacation from his home. lol. should cycle fast.

 

[WyldFya]

THat would be awesome if it did. Borrow, or use one of your own, to cycle a tank really fast.

 

[dr_sudz]

I will keep you guys posted on how it goes. They seem to be adjusting quite nicely to the tank. I am actually really enjoying having them where I can watch them so readily.

 

[dr_sudz]

After a day of the turtles in there pooping and peeing away for about 24 hours the amonia levels are between .25 and .5 for the moment.

 

[RadleyMiller]

Great idea!

 

[dr_sudz]

Alrighty after only 6 days of the turtles being in the new tank, the water parameters are this!

Amonia: 0 ppm
Nitrites: 0 ppm
Nitrates: 10 ppm

Going to let it sit for a few more days then hello fishy

 

[Thinkone]

WOW That was FAST! Great idea.

 

[dr_sudz]

The one thing I havent mentioned was I put the filter in my other tank for a week or so running with the established filter before putting it on the 120 but even so.. things are looking good. I am going to let the bacteria get a good foot hold before adding any fish.