Cycle question, I know, I know

[dkpate]

Ok, so I have looked EVERYWHERE for starting the fishless cycle with fish food, (since the closest place that would have pure ammonia is 100 mi away), and I can't find any info on it. How often am I supposed to put food in? When should I start seeing ammonia readings? Etc. If anyone knows where an article on this is, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

 

[dkpate]

Someone? Anyone?

 

[henrysusername]

you could use the shrimp method

 

[mgamer20o0]

problem with food is its hard to control and isnt a exact sciences. i got some at walmart before you really checked all the hardware stores and grocery stores?

 

[Satrix]

I would add just a pinch every two days or so. If you want something to read here is a short article about fish food cycling. Scroll down to "Another Form of Cycling the Aquarium is without Fish" and that should explain a bit about the fish food method.

A shorter article mentioning the shrimp method can be found here.

 

[dkpate]

MGamer- I live in a town of 400 people lol. There isn't much at the hardware or grocery store! Next city is 100 miles.
Satrix- Thanks a ton! I just used a little food and some bloodworms 2 days ago and my nitrAtes are at a perfect level and no ammonia or nitrite.

 

[mctypething]

I think you can order the Ace Hardware brand ammonia online and they'll ship it to you. I'm not sure but I think they do it. Might be worth checking out.

 

[dkpate]

I will look to that in the future. Or next time I got into town I will grab a bottle just to have. Thanks!