Got my tank and is setup. Also some questions.

[zacdl]

Here are some pics. All I have done is hook up the pump and filter and heater and airpump and light.
I got that wine stand for $25 at Walmart, it looks halfways good (might put some fabric around bottom half so you dont know its a wine thing)
I put this in the corner where our table is so we can watch it while we eat.
There is a plant above it too. I have pics below.

To the Qs...
How should I cycle my tank? The main thing I need to know is how should I get ammonia into it? Can I add some of the chemical ammonia into there or is it not the same thing?

 

[copi]

Cycling:
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/showquestion.php?faq=2&fldAuto=15

That wine stand is sturdy enough to support the weight of the tank, right?...

 

[zacdl]

Yes.... It should.
It used to be on wheels but we took them off. Now it is even better.
It seems pretty sturdy.

 

[copi]

Oh and you can't just cycle a naked tank like that... you need some substrate, or you can cycle with LR... someplace for the good bacteria to live.

What kind of filtration are you going to use?

 

[hforney]

Zacdl, Try using the search engine for ammonia fishless cycle. There were several threads on this subject. I do remember you have to use a special ammonia. Don't put any in until you are sure you have the right one. I believe it is ammonia without detergent. Wait at least a day and someone with first hand knowledge will reply. There are some very helpful people here.

 

[zacdl]

Well, the filter is already on there you just cant see it well. Its bio/mech/chem

I am also supposed to be getting a protein skimmer in the mail.

I ordered a mag float, sand, thermometer, and a testkit (not the dip strips) today. They said it should be here next week.

 

[copi]

I'd say once the sand is in & the filter is running you can start the fishless cycle as described in the article I referenced above. Don't run the skimmer during the cycle, & be sure to test regularly so you can keep tabs on the progression.

 

[zacdl]

Why not run the skimmer?

When I asked about something else earlier on a differant thread (cant remember when or what) they said I should run it during the cycle.

Now you guys are contradicting yourselves.

 

[copi]

I'm sure someone else will chime in on this, and I know this is a matter of differing opinion, however my understanding is this: since you're trying to build up ammonia in order to encourage the growth of bacteria, you wouldn't want to remove proteins / etc which will eventually degrade into ammonia.

If you remove the bacteria's "food" by skimming, they have less to eat & will not grow as fast.

Others will say that running the skimmer does not slow down the cycle, but that's very counterintuitive to me.