How Long To Cycle?

[PiMpPiStOl]

so, i just started the 55 gallon earlier today. im usnig a new filter, with 2 used sponges (same filter), and 2 rocks from the same tank are in the 55 as well. i also have some of that aquasafe stuff. but that might just be for water changes and stuff...i dunno.

how long till i should be safe?? i started a 10 gallon, and i added the fish next day. that was a month ago, and theyre still fine. i used a sponge from my other aquarium on that also. but i dunno how long itd take a 55. right now, the filters just running and im trying to get the temperature right.

 

[fatheadminnow]

Are you going to do a fishless cycle by adding ammonia and then checking every 12 hours?

Refer to this thread for fish-less cycling if you do not know what how to do that.

Usually a fish-less cycle that is done properly will take 4-6 weeks to complete, but like you said, you have mature filter media from anther tank, it should take less time.

You need a test kit, if you do not have one already, that way you will be able to check the water parameters daily during cycling.

I would get an API Freshwater Master Test kit, which is a very good liquid test kit. Stay away from test kits that use strips, as they are inaccurate.

Make sure you add that aquasafe stuff every time you add water, even when starting out, as it will condition the water and remove any chlorine (chlorine will kill off any beneficial bacteria and can kill fish) in your tap water.

-FHM

 

[PiMpPiStOl]

how does the fish...FUL cucle work?

 

[fatheadminnow]

Do you mean cycling the tank with fish in the tank?

-FHM

 

[PiMpPiStOl]

i guess... whatever the alternative is to fishless cycling

 

[fatheadminnow]

i guess... whatever the alternative is to fishless cycling

Read this thread to learn how to do a fish-in cycle.

-FHM

 

[Inchworm]

Hi PiMpPiStOl

The beneficial bacteria in your sponges will immediately support the same amount of fish in the new tank as they did in the old one. They are already cycled. This is called "cloning a tank." Just be sure to get the fish in there right away before the bacteria starts to die of starvation. Give it a couple of weeks and then you can start adding new fish, a little at a time.