What do you cycle your aquariums with?

[tqy]

I started to cycle my 10 gal tank today but I couldn't find pure ammonia in the Lfs or cleaning section of grocery stores(as I heard it can be found there) my parents really did not want me putting a piece of raw prawn in the tank as it would smell so I wondered what you guys cycled your tanks with?And what can I use to cycle my tank? (Try to suggest something that is easy to find) Thanks Guys!!

 

[tqy]

Would dirty aquarium water work?Besides that what else is an ammonia source that I can use?

 

[Alan79]

I generally just stuff a second sponge in with a cycled sponge in a large filter i have with space for it. I make sure the water is flowing towards the new sponge. If you don't have a cycled filter to start this you could also try dissolved fish food.

 

[dcutl002]

Everybody is different. I cycle mine(with plants) for two to three months before adding fish. I like for my water to age. Having said that, you may use filter media from an established tank, add friendly bacteria like Biozyme or equivalent. I don't think the dirty water will suffice for cycling. Cycling can not and will not be rushed. Now, I'll put my flame suit on!

 

[Fresh2o]

You could use fish food (flakes, freeze dried, pellets, granules). Just put it into a nylon bag (or sock, hosiery) to make cleanup easier.

 

[Brookster123]

Just get a thing of frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp and throw a couple cubes in there, leave it for 10-12 days and check it out..

 

[smallfry53]

The fish food method is very messy. I'd try your local hardware stores. They usually have pure ammonia.

 

[dcutl002]

Gouramis are perfect for cycling. Bettas too. Just no together

 

[Fresh2o]

I found suitable ammonia at Harris Teeter grocery stores. Only needed 20-30 mL out of the gallon jug.
Fish food sources can be messy; nylon bag should help with the cleanup.

 

[Brookster123]

Couldn't you just throw the fish food right in the filter?? No mess.. Faster processing with all the water movement??

 

[AquaBud]

I ordered Dr. Tim's Ammonium Chloride for Fishless Cycling. Works well and it was only 7 bucks shipped. I also used seeded media from a member here. Two weeks later I'm fully cycled.

 

[trennamw]

I found my ammonia at ACE. Janitorial strength. But I used 4ml and won't ever touch the rest, I'm wishing I'd ordered that $7 kit online. Lol.