Cycling My Tank

[kaynick1218]

How do I cycle my ten gal fresh water tank with fish in it? Does this nutrafin cycle stuff work that the store sold me?

 

[dogfish2806]

I always try not to use chemicals in tanks. A lot of time you see all these things in stores that look and sound fantastic but is unnecessary. The best way to cycle a tank of course is without fish so that the level changes do not stress them. When did you set the tank up and when did you add the fish?

 

[kaynick1218]

I set it up about a week ago. I put the fish in the day after I set it up. The fish are active I only put two in to start. I tested the water today with the dip stick, it didn't give me numbers it just say ideal,safe,stressed or dangerous. It came out saying stressed.

 

[jlk]

Please invest in a decent liquid test kit. The API kit is highly recommended.Strips are inaccurate at best. A good water conditioner such as Prime is also a good idea. While your tank is cycling, you will need to test the water daily & do water changes with temperature matched, properly conditioned water to keep toxin levels in check. Heres a link with some more info. Please ask any questions you may have!

I just learned about cycling but I already have fish. What now?!