best way to cycle 140gal

[evilss]

im getting a 140 gal tank. i was wondering you guys best ideas on cycling it. i have done a 75 before with damsels. it worked out good. should i do the same here. if so how many do you guys think would be a good start. i have also heard of putting shrimp in a pair of panty hose to build up the chemicals in your tank. is this a better way? i am goin with a aggressive set up so the damsels will not cause problems later. so give me you guys input. thanks ahead of time for any and all replys.

 

[beaslbob]

first of all welcome to the 140g.
six months to a year from now how you initially cycled the tank will not make much difference. I recommend you establish a thriving plant growth as the very first thing. I prefer to cycle with live fish because the bioload is more constant and much more complete than the dead shrimp method. My fav cycle fish is plain old mollies. After three weeks of running the system fishless I introduce about a molly for each 10 gallons and do not feed them for a week, while watching nitrIte levels. I feed lightly when the nitrIte levels drop.
One disadvantage is you may want to remove the cycle fish (mollies or dasmels) later. And that could be a problem.
I think you will find the 140 g much easier to setup and maintain than the 75g
Whatever you do hope you are happy.

 

[karajay]

A good amount of uncured LR will work, or a couple of shrimp. You can either take the shrimp out when the ammonia spikes or leave 'em and they'll disintegrate. Definately try to avoid using damsels, they don't appreciate choking on ammonia either.