jetajockey
come get me tang police!
Just wanted to make some clarifications here.
That's the thing, you did cycle the tank. Every operating tank with some sort of ammonia source is cycled/cycling. Being 'cycled' is just a term to indicate that nitrifying bacteria colonies have become sufficient enough to efficiently process the waste created by the inhabitants of the system. These colonies are dynamic, both increasing and decreasing based primarily on food availability among other factors. The more established the tank is, the better foothold they have, and the quicker they can adapt to changes like increased bioload.
The difference between modern cycling methods and old school is that now aquarists concern themselves with the well being of the fish during the cycling process. Some opt to go fishless and take fish out of the equation completely during this start-up phase. Others choose to do fish-in, which can be done just as safely and easily, assuming they take certain measures to help maintain a safe environment for the fish.
No, not any level. There are safe levels of ammonia and attempting to get a cycling tank to read perfectly 0 is not only impossible but will have someone needlessly doing massive constant water changes. Many people believe this about ammonia toxicity and I believe it gives a misguided idea of the work behind fish-in cycling due to a misunderstanding at the core level.number 1 because Ammonia physically burns the fish at any level hence red gills red blemishes on fish
Well back in the day 10+ years ago when i first got into fish keeping i didn't know better and never cycled my tank. I guess the water was good because i had fish for along time with no problems not even need to add chemicals. I guess i got lucky back than, but know that i know its a must.
That's the thing, you did cycle the tank. Every operating tank with some sort of ammonia source is cycled/cycling. Being 'cycled' is just a term to indicate that nitrifying bacteria colonies have become sufficient enough to efficiently process the waste created by the inhabitants of the system. These colonies are dynamic, both increasing and decreasing based primarily on food availability among other factors. The more established the tank is, the better foothold they have, and the quicker they can adapt to changes like increased bioload.
The difference between modern cycling methods and old school is that now aquarists concern themselves with the well being of the fish during the cycling process. Some opt to go fishless and take fish out of the equation completely during this start-up phase. Others choose to do fish-in, which can be done just as safely and easily, assuming they take certain measures to help maintain a safe environment for the fish.
Last edited: