Hi
I'm setting up a new, bigger tank and want to start a fishless cycle. Problem is, pure Ammonia is a controlled substance in Australia so I can't purchase it at all! I have a healthy established tank and was going to use some filter media from it, though I've changed to a fluval canister filter instead of a hanging one. Here are my questions:
1. I thought I could just add some gravel and media in a nylon stocking to seed the tank after I treat the water ? I have also purchased API live nitrifying bacteria but am not sure whether to use it.
2. If I add filter media and it establishes, won't there need to be a source of ammonia to make sure the levels are stable?
3. My second question is - how will I provide a source of ammonia without pure ammonia? I've read conflicting opinions about using fish food and raw shrimp. I have 40 gallon tank by the way. If I use fish food - how much of it?
I'm not keen at all on adding hardy fish to the tank for a fish cycle.
Thanks for your help !
G.
I'm setting up a new, bigger tank and want to start a fishless cycle. Problem is, pure Ammonia is a controlled substance in Australia so I can't purchase it at all! I have a healthy established tank and was going to use some filter media from it, though I've changed to a fluval canister filter instead of a hanging one. Here are my questions:
1. I thought I could just add some gravel and media in a nylon stocking to seed the tank after I treat the water ? I have also purchased API live nitrifying bacteria but am not sure whether to use it.
2. If I add filter media and it establishes, won't there need to be a source of ammonia to make sure the levels are stable?
3. My second question is - how will I provide a source of ammonia without pure ammonia? I've read conflicting opinions about using fish food and raw shrimp. I have 40 gallon tank by the way. If I use fish food - how much of it?
I'm not keen at all on adding hardy fish to the tank for a fish cycle.
Thanks for your help !
G.