How To Cycle A Tank?

[fishyfish890]

Hi everyone,
 
Just asking how to cycle a new tank? Is it ok to leave a tank for 2 weeks without using filter start and then add a shoal of fish?
 
Many thanks,
Fishyfish890

 

[Ch4rlie]

For cycling a tank, I'd highly recommend doing a fishless cycle, i have done this several times and is well worth doing.
 
The benefits of this is no fish will be harmed at all during fishless cycles and is actually much more beneficial and quicker (4 - 8 weeks)  doing a Fishless cycle than doing a Fish in Cycle (3+ months, min) where you add fish as your ammonia source.
 
 
This is the article on how to Cycle Your First Fish Tank 
 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/421488-cycling-your-new-fresh-water-tank-read-this-first/
 
You will need, a water test kit, API Freshwater Master Test Kit comes recommended as good value for money and is a liquid based test kit which is far more reliable and accurate than the cheaper paper strip dip kits.
 
You can get these test kits from LFS or online, would shop around for best value one as these can vary in prices.
 
         
 
And you will also need a ammonia source as well, any one of these below will be suitable, easily obtained online.
 
                           
 
 
 
Hope these will help you get started and helps to see what to look out for

 

 

[Ninjouzata]

I'm a smidge confused due to your other thread HERE.
 
Are there still fish in this tank? If so you do not want to add ammonia as it will kill them. Because you have fish you are having to do a fish-in cycle so I would read THIS and THIS.
 
If possible, I'd return your fish to the LFS or have them hold them for you or something while you do a fish-less cycle.