i normally let my new tanks cycle till i think the tank is ready by looking at the water. normally done cycling in 5-7 days. i've never ever check water parameter or do test kits or any of that. my theory is, if it looks and smells good then its good. no need to be all rocket scientist.
The Reason for cycling a tank is to build BB for the Bio Load...
- Thread starter Mastiffman
- Start date
nikond70s;4779662; said:
Doesn't work like that. How can you tell the difference between 2ppm, or even 50ppm, and 0ppm of ammonia by looking at and smelling your water?
Its not rocket science, its just waiting until its ready.And if you could tell by looking and smelling, then why do we all spend 20-30 dollars on test kits every couple years?
Joe M;4779688; said:Doesn't work like that. How can you tell the difference between 2ppm, or even 50ppm, and 0ppm of ammonia by looking at and smelling your water?
And if you could tell by looking and smelling, then why do we all spend 20-30 dollars on test kits every couple years?
why doesnt it work like that? it works for me. been doing it for years. im sure some people do it my way too. and true i cant tell the difference from 2ppm or 5ppm cuz honestly i have no idea what that is haha. and obviously i was exaggerating about the rocket scientist part haha.
sorry but that made no sense.
nikond70s;4779662; said:
Wow
I admit, as I have become pretty accustomed to all my tanks, I don't always check parameters. I know that as long as my bio load is constant, doing 30% water changes every week keeps things in check. But, I have done a ton of testing prior to this point to feel comfortable.
Anytime that something appears to be going on out of the ordinary, first thing I do is check parameters. But, I would never fool myself thinking that by looking at or smelling the water I would know what's going on!
Even the simple multi-test dip strips are accurate enough for routine testing...and you don't need to be a rocket scientist to dip, drip and compare colors!
nikond70s;4779824; said:
You think it works for you, but you are causing stress to your fish. it doesnt work like that because you cant skip any part of the nitrogen cycle or avoid it. Your fish are being subjected to both an ammonia spike and a nitrite spike. Might not be enough to kill them, but it is happening......and obviously, fore you, the quote makes no sense because you never test your water
and ive got friends that have smoked cigarettes for years, but just because they dont have full blown lung cancer doesnt mean they might not be doing themselves permanent harm.....
lots of people do lots of things the wrong way everyday.....that doesnt make it right
nikond70s;4779662; said:
This must be remembered and added to signature for comedies sake. Not trying to be mean bro, but that is really bad on your fish. You need to check more out about the cycling process and get yourself a test kit.
and the debate goes on....
The only reason you're able to "cycle" your freshwater tanks in a week is because the process is simpler, so to say. But it does take that 3-4 weeks for a tank to be stable.
After a freshwater tank is set up, you can add in a VERY SMALL amount of fish and the cycle wouldn't be as shocking and the fish would be able to survive. Regardless, you still put the fish through all the spikes, changes, and stress.
The only reason you're able to "cycle" your freshwater tanks in a week is because the process is simpler, so to say. But it does take that 3-4 weeks for a tank to be stable.
After a freshwater tank is set up, you can add in a VERY SMALL amount of fish and the cycle wouldn't be as shocking and the fish would be able to survive. Regardless, you still put the fish through all the spikes, changes, and stress.
Hi there.....I am ready to start my 750 gal tank... I have no other tanks running....I do not want to get used water or such from the pet store, so
what options do I have left????
Many years ago I let the cycle on the tanks take its course naturally.
It took 4 to 6 weeks...
When first filled the tank would be clear...then after a week or so
the tank became totaly cloudy(this is with no fish in the tank and the new filters running). Then the water would become clear again...this is when I
started to add fish(a few at a time) to the tank....no deaths!!!!
Now...my question is....how can I speed up this process if I have no
access to existing tanks......
what options do I have left????
Many years ago I let the cycle on the tanks take its course naturally.
It took 4 to 6 weeks...
When first filled the tank would be clear...then after a week or so
the tank became totaly cloudy(this is with no fish in the tank and the new filters running). Then the water would become clear again...this is when I
started to add fish(a few at a time) to the tank....no deaths!!!!
Now...my question is....how can I speed up this process if I have no
access to existing tanks......
