Fishless cycling

[Cichlidjon]

Hey all!

I've started my fish less cycle on my 55g rectangular tank. I've used the crushed coral and shell substrate from another tank, took my readings for the first time yesterday and they are as follows: temp. 81 degrees, ph 8.0, ammo .25, nitrite 0, nitrate 40 ppm. I'm using a freshwater master test kit for my readings. I do want to add some more decorations though, will this increase the time needed for proper readings? I want either a dwarf cichlid tank or mbuna with compatible companions. Should I give the tank more time after adding decorations? If so how much? Sorry for the long post I just want to do this right. Any and all help is much appreciated!

 

[fort384]

Adding aquarium safe decor to the tank will not affect your cycle at all.

Welcome to AA!

 

[paytertot]

The goal in cycling a tank is to build up good bacteria that will consume the ammonia put off by the fish and convert it to nitrites, which is also consumed and converted to nitrates, the only one that is not lethal to fish. (but it can be harmful in large amounts, that's why we do water changes to keep it low).

You achieve this by adding an ammonia source, either with pure ammonia in a fishless cycle, or with a few hardy fish in a fish in cycle.

I much prefer a fishless cycle because you can add more fish all at once when you finish, there are no fish put in harms way, and you don't have to do quite as many water changes in the process.

Here are some helpful links to articles, please read all 3 of them.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/the-a...-Guide-and-FAQ-to-Fishless-Cycling/Page1.html

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/impor...r-those-new-to-the-Aquarium-Hobby-/Page1.html

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/guide...-to-Starting-a-Freshwater-Aquarium/Page1.html

 

[Aqualady40]

Welcome to AA

 

[Andrew McFadden]

to AA!

 

[melosu58]

Welcome aboard. We are glad you found us here at AA.

 

[Slagrunner]

You want to cycle with decor in tank...more surface area to build healthy bacteria on the better IMO.

 

[Cichlidjon]

Thanks everybody I will start cycling tonight. I will probably add decor mostly over the next several days and post pics. Thanks much and I will read those articles. AA rocks!