talk to me about cycling (not how)

[jworth]

I currently have 2 peacock bass around 3" in a 20 gallon. I am setting up a new 125 within the week. I have read alot about fishless cycling and im not convinced its worthwhile. I have been in saltwater for several years now and am just starting fresh again. I dont ever really recall cycling or ever having much trouble because I didnt. However, Ive ever only kept oscars , green terror, pacu, etc. This is my first go at peacock bass. Is it really so necessary to do this. Thanks for the help guys!

 

[Frostyone]

Why chance losing your fish, I'd cycle it.

 

[Venom SS]

I would. Juv peacocks are pretty sensitive to ammonia and nitrate spikes. The biological filtration is essential to eliminating / reducing harmful wastes. In my opinion if you dont cycle it, youre almost guaranteed to lose them. Other fish like the Oscars and Pacu's you mentioned are pretty tuff and could possibly survive during the cycle, but juv. Peacocks I highly doubt would survive it.

 

[jcardona1]

if you just cant wait, i would do big water changes every other day until the tank is fully cycled. that way, you have less risk of losing your pbass

 

[bOOsteN aUdI]

I would. Juv peacocks are pretty sensitive to ammonia and nitrate spikes. The biological filtration is essential to eliminating / reducing harmful wastes. In my opinion if you dont cycle it, youre almost guaranteed to lose them. Other fish like the Oscars and Pacu's you mentioned are pretty tuff and could possibly survive during the cycle, but juv. Peacocks I highly doubt would survive it.

Well said.. imo you need to cycle a tank if you dont want to lose new fish or run into problems of high nitrates ect down the road.. you dont need to cycle it with fish, they sell additives and if you dont like those a few feeders or just fish food works depending on how big the tank is.

 

[jworth]

I forgot to mention that i do have a used filter from another tank that i plan to place in my wet dry filter when i set this up. Not sure if that makes a difference to anyones opinion, but i would think this would make it cycle quicker.

 

[andyjs]

I forgot to mention that i do have a used filter from another tank that i plan to place in my wet dry filter when i set this up. Not sure if that makes a difference to anyones opinion, but i would think this would make it cycle quicker.

That should make it cycle considerably quicker. If enough bacteria is added, the cycle is basically avoided altogether. No matter what, the tank is going to be cycled. Whether or not the fish are put through it is your choice. Some fish may survive it, some might not.

 

[jworth]

putting ammonia in the tank to 4 ppm and waiting on it to drop overnight and then waiting on the nitrites to drop is a painstaking process. then you have to do a 90% water change. I am just discouraged to do this. You can put too much in etc. . . i am really hoping that old filter in there will make it quick. i may also take about 5 gallons out of that tank with the filter.

keep the comments coming. i really appreciate it!

 

[jcardona1]

nobody said fishkeeping was quick or easy! if you try to rush things, youre gonna end up with problems. with fishkeeping, the only things that happen fast are BAD. good things take a long time. and yes, old filter material will help speed up the cycling process. but it wont happen instantly

 

[jworth]

ok heres an idea.

i am going to add a bit of water and an old filter from an established tank. After a day or so I think I will throw in some feeders and a pictus cat or two. At this rate how can I monitor the cycling process and what should i do before i add my cichla?