How long does a "cycling" take?

[Guest]

I have often read about cycling a new tank, but never really see anything on how long the process takes.

I just set up my 75 gallon tank and after a few days added 5 danios and 5 tetras to get it started. Haven't really seen any changes one day later. Does having a good filter like my Fluval 404 affect the time it takes, too?

 

[Cafe Jeff]

My 55 gallon took almost 2 months!
But I think that had more to do with my f'ing around with it. These things take time. Just let the aquarium sit and watch your water chemistry -- if you don't have a test kit, go get one -- you should first see an amonia spike followed by a nitrite spike. Once you see a little Nitrate you can be sure that the cycle has started. Try not to feed the little blighters too much. Also, in my experience the 'cycle' products aren't worth a cent. If you can borrow a sponge or even some gravel from an established tank, that may speed things up some. Jeff

 

[gamma]

It varies but usually between 30 and 40 days.

Check out www.fishprofiles.met/faq/begin-cycling.asp It shows cycling-over-time.

Having good filter material for the bio-bugs to inhabit might affect the time it takes.

 

[gamma]

Sorry, Presence but I just went to that site and it wasn't available. I'll see what else I can find.

Okay the link didn't work but the article is there if you go to fishprofiles.com, then go to FAQ, then nitrogen cycle.

 

[mayreee]

Here is some good info on it:
http://faq.thekrib.com/begin-cycling.html

 

[trent]

2-5 weeks depending on the tank and set up