Cycle question

[Reddog80p]

When setting up my aquarium to start cycling I add everything I want to have in the tank period (gravel,filter,ornaments,heater,air stones). I have a Aquaclear 200. Which of the inserts do I put in during fishless cycle? I would obvisioulsy put the sponge in. I also have a Ammonia remover insert which says ideal for new or heavily populated aquariums, which is shown sitting directly on top of the the sponge in the ac200. And I have a BIOMAX filter Insert which shows it sits on top of the ammonia remover at the top of the ac200. I also have a activated carbon insert which shows it should above the sponge and under the BIO-MAX. So I am assuming that the Ammonia remover is only used for starting a tank and once the tank is somewhat "established" it is removed and the activated carbon insert is used regularly in it's place?

I want to do a fishless cycle so would'nt the ammonia remover be pointless to use?

Thanks for taking the time to read all that,

Reddog80p

 

[justrelax]

I want to do a fishless cycle so would'nt the ammonia remover be pointless to use?

Yep. Activated carbon can be nice to pull out meds or polish the water but it's not neccessary. I would double up on the foam pads and add more bio-media like balls or ceramic.

Thanks for taking the time to read all that,

Thanx for taking the time to do a fishless cycle...

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I agree. Toss the Ammonia remover and put in the ceramic rings. Store the carbon in case you need to remove meds sometime.

 

[Reddog80p]

Ok, So double up the foam and put the biomax filter insert(ceramic rings)in the AC200 also. Now just a couple more quick questions. After the fishless cycle is over, then do I put the ammonia remover in or should I put the activated carbon insert in? Do most of you who have HOB filters, keep the atviated carbon insert in always or just when you want to remove meds?

 

[Fishyfanatic]

After the fishless cycle is over, do not use either. You can toss the ammonia remover completly. In a cycled tank you should never have ammonia present. When introducing new fish you may have a slight spike but just do a water change and you'll be fine. Introduce a few fish at a time and you don't have problems. Keep the activated carbon bag but do not put it in the filter. Carbon is really only good for removing meds or tannins. I don't use it in any of my tanks but I have a box of it on stand by in case we ever have to medicate the QT.