Your current ammonia level is already 0.25ppm (if consider before the water change it was probably 0.35ppm), so its already decreasing from a week back... which indicates the cycling is progressing well, maybe soon will complete.Originally Posted by Arron
Does that mean I have to look at an empty tank so a few more months?
Btw, next time take the ammonia measurements before you do water change, so that you can track actual progress of the cycle.
Yes, you can just put the seasoned bio-media directly in your tank too (maybe put them in a mesh pouch and place it in the aquarium, less messy), best to position it in a well circulated area, the active bacteria will find their way around the tank and colonize surfaces from there.
so should i add any shrimps? the uncle at crs haven says can just add
With slightly acidic pH and relatively low ammonia levels, you can try it out.
Honestly, nowadays i usually just add a few culled cherry shrimps into my new tanks to be "pioneer" livestock too... if none die after a few days, then i'll add in the rest.
I was told his bacteria product helps lock up ammonia so I can introduce life stock already
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Seachem Prime also locks up ammonia into non-toxic form for up to 24-48 hours too, can try that using that as your de-chlorinator.
Just curious... how many brands of bacteria products have you used so far?
I have many bacteria brands from previous tanks like a lot left over. I have micro-lift, biozym, atm, crs haven brand that's about it. Does it slow down the process using different bacteria products
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Lol.... Of course it is an agony to not have any fish in the tank.Does that mean I have to look at an empty tank so a few more months?
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I used to see people setting up a beautiful tank with all kinds of expensive gear, exotic chemicals and expensive beautiful fish. They usually don't know much about seasoning a fish tank.
Regarding using bacteria from an old tank, it also depends on whether there is enough bacteria. For instance, if an old tank's water condition is not stable or well-oxygenated, even the bacteria in it will not be able to survive. In this regard, fish-keepers are actually bacteria-keepers. They should be very concerned to ensure that their bacteria are healthy and abundant. In a sense, the bacteria is more precious than their expensive fish.
LIFE IS UNBEARABLE WITHOUT A FISH TANK!!!
Looks like I really just have to wait it out then
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I guess using those products just adds in more varieties of bacteria... its quite unlikely that they'll negatively affect the bio-filter's overall performance.
MY TANK HAS FINALLY FULLY CYCLED! Thanks guys for the constant advices on what to do!!
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Does it help to put some hardy fish in with minimal feeding? The waste could help speed up process?
Thats the old way of doing it, putting in hardy fishes like guppies or danios to cycle the tank. Commonly referred to as the fish-in method.
Nowadays amongst modern fishkeepers, its considered "inhumane" because although those hardy fishes may survive the toxic spikes during the cycling period, their health will usually end up suffering in the long-term.
Though from the advice i overhear at most LFS, i guess 99% of new fishkeepers still unwittingly practice this fish-in cycling method anyways... honestly, which LFS would tell customers to patiently cycle and stare at an empty tank for a few weeks, then only come back again much later to buy the fishes? Customers hear already sian, confirm lose business.
Last edited by Urban Aquaria; 14th May 2014 at 12:47.
Sticky and Nutty in a Plastic Packet
I think the waste only adds onto the cycling process.
I think it's easier to just use soil like ada. it leeches ammonia so you're doing yourself and the fish a huge favour
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Yeah, with most active soil substrates the ammonia released initially is usually already enough to feed and grow the beneficial bacteria.
The addition of more fast growing plants can assist to accelerate the cycling process though, they take up both ammonia and nitrates so help reduce the processing load on the bio-filter.
Sticky and Nutty in a Plastic Packet
Is there any harm in not washing substrate when setting up the tank? I am talking about 'better' (I know, subjective) substrate like GEX and ADA.
no no dont ever wash active substrates, it might break down as it's made of real soil
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Sticky and Nutty in a Plastic Packet
Ok, then I am glad did the right thing. The murky water did cause me to lose some sleep though.
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