Cycling The Tank

[littlejackjl]

Hello All
I went to the LFS today and was given some dead fish (They use for feeding) to cycle my tank with. Specifically to provide an initial source of ammonia. I have been advised to remove them after the ammonia levels have built up (2-3 days). Im looking for any opinions just to double-check this is ok. Could anyone please tell me if this will work or could cause any long-term problems.
Any help is greatly appreciated

 

[Harlequins]

Hi & welcome

It takes longer to cycle a tank for 2-3 days,usual cycling of the filter in the tank takes around 4-6 weeks.sometimes longer for it to safely house fish.

I've heard of dead prawns put into a tank,but to be honest it'll be better and less messy to buy a bottle of household ammonia and a cheap syringe,if you're in the uk,homebase or boots sell this.
Get yourself a liquid test kit thats tests for ammonia/nitrite/nitrate & ph
Have a read up in the beginners section- theres a link under my signature pic,it'll tell you about the nitrogen cycle and fishless cycling

 

[waterdrop]

Agree with Harly, now that you've found a -real- hobbyist social group to talk to you can dispense with the mumbo-jumbo from the fish shop and begin reading our Beginners Resource Center and chatting a learning! WD

 

[littlejackjl]

Thanks for the replies. I have read through the forums on cycling now; I have all the tests (apart from a PH test which i will get soon) just need to find Pure Ammonia now, which has been proving difficult. I shall try Homebase and Boots. Should i monitor the Ph throughout cycling or is it not needed? Finding these forums helpful! Thank you once again.

 

[waterdrop]

They're liquid based tests, right?

 

[OldMan47]

Monitoring the pH now and then during a cycle will prevent you having an undetected pH crash. A drop in pH is entirely possible due to the chemistry involved in converting ammonia to nitrates. If pH drops below about 6.2, the cycle will stall completely so you will want to keep an eye on it.

 

[littlejackjl]

Yes they are liquid based tests. I assumed that these would be more accurate. Thank-you i will monitor my PH.