New Tank Cycling

[n3il]

Have been reading the various topics on cycling and have a very simple question.
Starting with a brand new tank, filter, gravel, treated tap water and some ammonia, where does the beneficial bacteria that will form a colony and keep my fish happy come from?
Maybe I am missing something due to my brain working too hard processing all the information I have read on this site today.

Will be filling up my tank for the first time tonight! Excited!!

Neil

 

[Leitch]

Its magic ;D

I dont know the science behind it, but i know that it will form.

There are decomposers everywhere, ready to break down waste, and that includes the waste in your fish tank.

 

[n3il]

Its magic ;D

I dont know the science behind it, but i know that it will form.

There are decomposers everywhere, ready to break down waste, and that includes the waste in your fish tank.

I get what you are saying. Like if you leave food out it will decompose. I just thought with the chlorine in the water there wont be any in there even after you add the stuff to get rid of it, I suppose there might be some lurking on the sides of the tank where it has been handled by people and debris that has fallen in there but it still seems like it will be a very slow process to begin with once you start feeding them ammonia.

Ok, question answered. Thanks!

Neil

 

[SJ2K]

I had been wondering this myself, im sure somone more sciency will give us an idea later

 

[doresy]

Bacteria is everywhere just waiting for the right enviroment in which to multiply.

Warm, chlorine free water with food (ammonia) and an oxygenated flow is a sweet-shop for bacteria

Don't let your excitement wane when nothing seems to start happening.........it will


If you haven't already, please read.........THIS

 

[cryslea]

I think it's sort of a mystery... like it could come from your hands when you touch the water, or floats around in the air, or from your decor. I don't know if any of those are right or not, but that's what pops in my mind!

 

[rdd1952]

The general consensus is that the original bacteriaare in the water. There is very little beneficail bacteria actually free floating in the water but there is a small amount. It just takes time for them to multiply enough to handle the waste of a full fish load (even just a couple fish). I would advise against spending money on the bacteria in a bottle products like Cycle and Stress Zyme. They generally don't help at all.

 

[n3il]

Bacteria is everywhere just waiting for the right enviroment in which to multiply.

Warm, chlorine free water with food (ammonia) and an oxygenated flow is a sweet-shop for bacteria

Don't let your excitement wane when nothing seems to start happening.........it will


If you haven't already, please read.........THIS

Thanks doresy! I think I can sleep soundly at night now that is cleared up. Thanks to everyone else too for replying!

I have read the post you linked to in fact I have a printed copy sitting next to my tank along with the weekly maintenance post as well, both very informative!

Managed to get my tank on its stand last night and filled it with water. I was a bit concerned at first with having over 100 litres of water in a glass box in my living room but once it was filled and I had the filter, air stone bar thing and heater in there, the backdrop on and the light on it all looked good and secure. The water level hadnt changed this morning when I checked it which can only be a good thing! I have added the de-chlorinator in the correct amount and just need to find some ammonia from somewhere to get these bacteria multiplying.

I am pretty sure I will be a regular reader/poster of questions on this forum in the weeks and months to come.

And I would just like to say you all seem like a thoroughly decent and helpful bunch of people.

Thanks again!

Neil

 

[Leitch]

Bon chance neil =]

 

[Thirdfloor]

always nice to see new faces.