Vicksta
Aquarium Advice Activist
So I am just curious, could you transfer water from an established tank to a new tank to speed up the cycling process?
Good morning Vicksta. Planting a lot of fast growing stem plants in a new tank will also help with the cycling process. I've used Water Sprite, Water Wisteria, Rotala, Ludwigia and Pennywort with good results. I used a substrate base of organic potting soil and covered it with standard pea gravel.
My tank cycled in 30 days. Didn't use any chemicals or any fish.
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Unfortunately most beginners aren't up to heavily planting or using a soil substrate at first, but I do agree that it works. I prefer mineralized soil because potting soil can be very hit and miss, and depending on how it's done, one could end up with a tank that smells like a swamp donkey.Good morning jeta... It would be ideal if you had used filter media, substrate, etc. But, using a good organic potting soil as a substrate base works well for tank cycling. The combination of the soil content, fast growing stem plants and time are all that's needed.
At the end of a month, I generally start stocking a few small fish. This method requires no chemicals or subjecting cheap fish to marginal water conditions.
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AFAIK eco complete doesn't leech ammonia. I've only had limited use with it, but have never run across that particular issue. Some soil products, like aquasoil, are known to leech ammonia while they are in the mineralizing process.Certain substrates like Eco complete will leech ammonia for a time, so that is why it is a good idea to leave the tank empty for some time while it sets up.
It's also recommended to have 50% of the entire substrate covered in fast growing plants. Also, as stated above the key is to VERY slowly stock the tank while always monitoring the parameters to insure there are no ammonia spikes while the tank establishes. It can be done (not my first choice, I obviously advocate fishless) but is definitely a solid option with enough patience, diligence and commitment.
jetajockey said:Unfortunately most beginners aren't up to heavily planting or using a soil substrate at first, but I do agree that it works. I prefer mineralized soil because potting soil can be very hit and miss, and depending on how it's done, one could end up with a tank that smells like a swamp donkey.
AFAIK eco complete doesn't leech ammonia. I've only had limited use with it, but have never run across that particular issue. Some soil products, like aquasoil, are known to leech ammonia while they are in the mineralizing process.
I agree. Picking the right plants that grow fast and work well with your setup are key, but after that is achieved it pretty much takes care of itself. Routine testing will help ensure that things stay in check but it's definitely doable and easier than it is often made out to be.
My 125 was 'silent cycled' in the past few weeks. I didn't add any filter squeezings to this particular tank because it was unnecessary.
I've never personally used a soil substrate, but I was informed by Fort (Mod), that eco complete does in fact leech ammo. Not really an issue in a silent cycle as long as the tank sits before stocking...but definitely worth noting if someone makes the (IMO poor) decision to do a fish-in cycle.
jetajockey said:I would think that if it did leech ammonia it would have some sort of precaution in the directions, that way people don't come back and say that their product killed off their stock. They don't claim to have any organics in it that would cause an ammonia release either, but who knows really.
From all of the information I've seen about the product, it contains imbedded micronutrients, a 'black water' solution, and 'heterotrophic bacteria'. People seem to think this the same nitrifying bacteria that does the ammonia/nitrite conversion but it isn't, since the nitrifiers responsible for that part of the nitrogen cycle are aerobic autotrophs. But I digress.
That's fair, but you do realize that's kinda like parroting. In some instances it's warranted, but making claims based solely on 'well this guy said it' definitely has its flaws. Not saying Fort is wrong here, because I respect his opinion, although I don't know if he considers himself an expert in the field at all, but no matter who says something I still feel the need to verify their information before repeating it as fact.Regardless of the actual contents, I only repeat back the knowledge I've gained by learning from senior members who have a vastly superior knowledge compared to me when it comes to planted tanks and other areas I don't have expertise in, and Fort384 is absolutely qualified as an expert in that field
Being cautious is good, but moderation is important. In some cases it's warranted, in some cases not so much. Unfortunately another thing that springs from an excessive level of caution is a witch hunt mentality.The other rule I live by is that when it comes to living animals...it is always better safe than sorry and there is no such thing as being overly cautious.
jetajockey said:That's fair, but you do realize that's kinda like parroting. In some instances it's warranted, but making unverifiable claims based on 'well this guy said it' definitely has its flaws. Not saying Fort is wrong here, because I respect his opinion, although I don't think he considers himself an expert in the field at all, but no matter who says something I still feel the need to verify their information before repeating it as fact.
Being cautious is good, but moderation is important. In some cases it's warranted, in some cases not so much. Unfortunately another thing that springs from an excessive level of caution is a witch hunt mentality.
My apologies if you find it borderline offensive. You said, "I've never personally used a soil substrate, but I was informed by Fort (Mod), that eco complete does in fact leech ammo.", this statement to me reads that you don't have any personal experience with it and you are basing your facts on what someone told you about it. You didn't mention any other sources at all (forum posts/site documentation/etc), so yes, I consider that parroting, but still not intending any offense.I don't think the term "parroting" is appropriate here and borderline offensive. I've had in depth conversations with numerous senior members on this site regarding silent cycling. I cited Fort in that particular post because eco complete was specifically mentioned via PM.
You post in nearly every thread in regard to cycling, so it's hard not to see your posts. You have tons of posts that I don't respond to at all, or I even concur with you, so don't be upset when I call out anything I consider inaccurate. Considering how many posts you have in all these threads you should think if anything that I agree with the vast majority of your posts, because I have nothing more to add on it.We've acknowledged mutual respect for each other, but I do feel as though you read through my posts looking for holes to poke...when none of the items you have refuted would be beneficial to the OP's other than trying to show your knowledge while seemingly attempting to challenge mine.
Yep, that's my purpose of posting when I see something that I consider inaccurate or misleading. It may very well be completely accurate, I always have room to be corrected, and if someone's claims are factual then they won't have any problem backing them up.Since this is obviously an advice website (not necessarily an instructional medium) it is of course up to the question asker to take the information they've gained and make an informed decision.
I can do that if you want to talk about it more, but I'd like to keep it on topic also and in here to where it can be referenced.You are obviously welcome to state a refuting opinion, but in the interest of keeping threads non-confrontational and on topic...I respectfully ask you to PM if you want to discuss technicalities more in depth.