Alternative Not So Fishless Cycle...

[drjulesd]

I'll be setting up a 5 foot tank on sunday which i'll be runnining it fishless for a couple of weeks. Would it be possible to introduce a few goldfish to build up the ammonia or would it be better to stick to the tried and tested method.

 

[OldMan47]

There are two problems with not going fishless. First do you really want goldfish in the tank? So what will you do with them later? Second, the ammonia levels provided by a few fish are very low because otherwise the fish die and you need to canstantly replace them until the cycle finally finishes. Another minor issue is that fish-in usually takes longer and always takes much more effort on your part.
A bottle of ammonia that is a lifetime supply for cycling is maybe a dollar or two so please don't start putting fish into the tank just so they can die.

 

[JenCliBee]

have 2 agree with oldman

and also are u planning on having just goldfish in there when it is cycled


my opion a waste of a 5foot tank

 

[drjulesd]

I'll stick with the ammonia!! It was just an idea!

 

[martyn413]

Hi,

The process of cycling a tank with fish takes time and effort because you will be doing water changes every day of up to 50% or even more. This is because fish cannot tolerate any level of ammonia in the water as it is toxic. Water changes will reduce the level of ammonia however; little bacteria will grow as the level of ammonia is small. In the second stage of cycling with ammonia is transformed to nitrite you would also need to do constant water changes as nitrite is toxic to fish. When both ammonia and nitrite is at 0ppm then your tank is safe for fish. Please read the pinned cycle topic.

When you add pure ammonia, all you have to do is wait and test the water daily. Yes the tank look silly without fish but it is the safest way to cycle your tank.

Put the temp up to 30, add the desired level of ammonia for the size of your tank then wait. Test your tap water and note down the readings so you know what you're dealing with then test your tank daily for ammonia and nitrite. Please note it's worth testing for Ph as too much ammonia can rise or lower the ph which can stall the cycle. Miss Wiggle and Rdd* are the experts who have helped me understand the importance of fishless cycle.

Martyn