Cycling 46 gal

[fishnewb96]

Hi, I have a few plants and a few guppies in this new tank of mine. I was wondering whether I would be able to get some tips and tricks on how to cycle this tank properly and in as short amount of time as possible. I'm currently on day 3

 

[BBradbury]

Cycling a Tank w/ Fish

Hi, I have a few plants and a few guppies in this new tank of mine. I was wondering whether I would be able to get some tips and tricks on how to cycle this tank properly and in as short amount of time as possible. I'm currently on day 3

Hello fish...

Below is a reliable means of cycling a tank with fish:

Once the tank is set up and running, add some individual stems of a floating plant like Hornwort, Water sprite and/or Anacharis to help steady the water chemistry between water changes. Add 3 to 4 small to medium sized fish for every 10 gallons of water you want to cycle. Guppies, Platys, Danios, Rasboras and White Cloud minnows will tolerate the process. Feed the fish just a little every couple of days. They don’t need much during the cycling period. The dissolving fish waste (ammonia) combines with oxygen from the outside air and begins to grow the bacteria colony. Test the water daily for traces of ammonia and nitrite. If you have a positive test, remove a quarter (25 percent) of the tank water and replace it with tap water treated with an additive that removes chlorine and chloramine and detoxifies the three forms of nitrogen. Don’t remove more water, you’ll starve the bacteria and slow the process. Test every day and remove and replace the water when needed. When several daily tests show no traces of ammonia or nitrite, the tank is cycled. Once cycled, in a month or so, you change out half or more of the tank water every few days to maintain good water conditions.

Have fun,

B

 

[fishnewb96]

Hey BBradbury,

Thanks for the quick reply. That's the best info I've come across so far and looking forward to seeing how this will turn out!

Cheers!

 

[Barliman]

Just remember that patience is every aquarist's best friend: don't try to rush things.

 

[fishnewb96]

My ammonia is now at zero and nitrite about 0.25 to 0.5. Should I continue with the water change or just let it settle down?

 

[Barliman]

My ammonia is now at zero and nitrite about 0.25 to 0.5. Should I continue with the water change or just let it settle down?

You're getting there. I'd keep up with the water changes and wait until you see 0 ammonia and 0 nitrites for at least a week, and only then gradually add more fish.

 

[Autumnsky]

Fish-in Cycling: Step over into the dark side - Aquarium Advice
I just learned about cycling but I already have fish. What now?! - Aquarium Advice
The (almost) Complete Guide and FAQ to Fishless Cycling - Aquarium Advice
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/tips-and-tricks-for-your-fastest-fishless-cycle/