Fishless cycle query

[witch-1]

Approx. how long does a fishless cycle take - I appreciate not one is going to be the same.

OK I've got my new (second-hand) tank (200l).

It was pretty dirty - but spent the day cleaning and scrubbing.

Not quite ready to bring it indoors yet, but when I do I am going to do the fishless cycle.

I have a few fish in my biorb which I intend to transfer over once ready.

Also, am I right in thinking that transferring the biorb water would be beneficial too as its well established and levels are all good?

I think it will be within the next two weeks I shall start the cycle - depending on me buying more furniture to house these fish tanks!!!

Ta
Jan

 

[marchmaxima]

Assuming you are starting from scratch and don't seed your tank using any filter media from an established aquarium it will take *roughly* 4 weeks.

I documented a fishless cycle. You might be interested to take a look to see what to expect.

My Cycle

HTH.

 

[witch-1]

Thanks - your dates could match mine

I'm off to find a source of amonia from local fish selling shops! And new foam for the rather disgusting filter I received.

Its all very exciting - after purchasing my biorb and then realising that actually only a few fish isn't enough for me! I felt spoilt for choice, but had no choice!!! Hence my move to a much bigger tank.

 

[laxpatrick]

Fish shops typically will carry the commercial starter products - which seem to get mixed reviews.

Not sure about finding pure ammonia where you are (sans surfactants, fragrance, etc) but you might find it in a hardware/housewares store.

You might try the prawn method to get the ammonia going.

Looks like you already have an established tank - that should speed things along!

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

LAXPatrick

 

[witch-1]

No luck finding it - you were right!! Only starter stuff they had was to rid of amonia - the man looked at me as if I was mad wanting to add not rid amonia fortunately the other assistant understood, and said about frozen fish etc.

So its food source for me!

Itching to get started - so much so that I've sneaked some new fish in my daughters tank to look after for me

I know, patience, patience - at least her tank had room and is established enough.

 

[marchmaxima]

Add a few fish food pellets. They're a good source of ammonia and don't come with the associated risk of introducing a pathogen to your tank.

 

[jim692]

If you are looking for "pure ammonia" for fishless cycling in the UK,
check out this link.
Fishkeeping - Household Ammonia information [Forums - General Information]
"Enzo Household Ammonia" 9.6% solution is supposed to be fairly easy to
get at a chemists or SuperBuys or Homebase.

Hope that helps.