Large Tank Cycle

[Thompson24]

Hi guys I've got a new 6 ft x2ft 2ft tank it's been full and had 10 neons in for well over a week now and hadall reading still 0 my Lfs said it would be fine tout more fish in now as ei being such a big tank I wouldn't really notice a cycle with only this amount of fish in but I'm not sure if I'm convinced, he said I should be able to put quite a lot more fish in slowly as the amount of water in the tank etc the cycle might be less noticeable?

 

[jb1997mcd]

While the amount of water will help dilute the ammonia. Eventually the ammonia will build up if the tank is not cycled. I would stick with the fish you have currently and keep testing. When the tank is cycled you will eventually start seeing nitrates.

This could be a time when you could add some more fish.

Just my opinion, but hope it helps,

jb

 

[slimeneo]

I would suggest you buy your own testing kit. I would recommend this test kit http/www.amazon.com/API-FRESHWATER-MASTER-TEST-KIT/dp/B000255NCI

Is it a new tank, with a new filter? I agree, the water may be diluting the ammonia, showing up as 0 (or the test may in fact be inaccurate), but I would not recommend you add any more fish.

What you also could do is ask your LFS if you could cut a piece of their mature filter media, it will cycle your tank a lot faster.

 

[Thompson24]

Hi guys

It's a new tank with new filter however I put in all the water from a 4ft tank which was leaking however could use any filter media as it was all destroyed in a accident (that's another story lol)

 

[slimeneo]

Hi guys

It's a new tank with new filter however I put in all the water from a 4ft tank which was leaking however could use any filter media as it was all destroyed in a accident (that's another story lol)

Yeah, bacteria isn't in the water, it's mostly in the filter. So you'll have to do a fish-in cycle, unless you want to spare yourself from all the water changes just ask your LFS if you could have even just a little piece of their mature filter media

you'll definitely need to test your water nearly everyday- what kind of test kit do you have right now?

 

[fishprotector]

Where abouts are you based? Many members on here will donate mature media to help kick start your cycle. I am in Manchester. If your nearby give me a shout.

 

[Thompson24]

Hi guys

Lfs said they couldn't offer any filter media grrr. Im based near bishop Auckland in Durham. I have a API freshwater master test kit, I'm currently doing a test morning and night

 

[fishprotector]

I can post you some well used filter floss at the weekend if you like?

 

[slimeneo]

Ah, that sucks well just make sure ammonia and nitrite are at 0, when you start seeing anything higher than that, you should do a water change so the fish aren't harmed. But it is good that you have such a big tank to dilute the toxins however the downside to that is that I think it might take a longer time for your tank to cycle...

 

[Thompson24]

I can post you some well used filter floss at the weekend if you like?

That would be great but only if you don't mind I would be extremely greatful

 

[fishprotector]

Its fine mate. In fact I should be able to post in Friday so it should get there Saturday. PM me your address.

Oh and what filters are you running, so I know how much to send.