cycling
- Thread starter chance
- Start date
hot883
Active Member
Originally Posted by Chance
how long do you have to cycle your tank?
Chance there are several hundred threads on cycling a tank. Go to the search feature on top and type in cycling a tank, the cycle etc. Each tank is different but basically it takes 4-6 weeks to fully cycle. Barry
how long do you have to cycle your tank?
Chance there are several hundred threads on cycling a tank. Go to the search feature on top and type in cycling a tank, the cycle etc. Each tank is different but basically it takes 4-6 weeks to fully cycle. Barry
sepulatian
Moderator
Originally Posted by Chance
how long do you have to cycle your tank?
To cycle a tank you need an ammonia source. Live uncured rock, or you can add a piece of raw shrimp. As the other posters stated, once ammonia and nitrite reach zero then it is safe to add your cleanup crew.
how long do you have to cycle your tank?
To cycle a tank you need an ammonia source. Live uncured rock, or you can add a piece of raw shrimp. As the other posters stated, once ammonia and nitrite reach zero then it is safe to add your cleanup crew.
poniegirl
Active Member
We are forgetting nitrate in this equation? When ammonia and nitrite are 0, the nitrate is not necessarily low enough to begin stocking.
Before you begin stocking with living animals, ammonia has to be 0, nitrite has to be 0 and nitrate should be around 20.
The last thing to spike will be the nitrate and you will have to do some small water changes, 15 or 20%, until the nitrates are down.
As Barry has said, search the threads for cycling. Better yet, get a book that describes the nitrogen cycle and how it relates to aquariums. Your experience with this hobby will be better if you have a good understanding of the cycle.
There can't really be a good answer to the question "How long does it take", but a few weeks to over a month, generally speaking, and depending on many different factors.
Before you begin stocking with living animals, ammonia has to be 0, nitrite has to be 0 and nitrate should be around 20.
The last thing to spike will be the nitrate and you will have to do some small water changes, 15 or 20%, until the nitrates are down.
As Barry has said, search the threads for cycling. Better yet, get a book that describes the nitrogen cycle and how it relates to aquariums. Your experience with this hobby will be better if you have a good understanding of the cycle.
There can't really be a good answer to the question "How long does it take", but a few weeks to over a month, generally speaking, and depending on many different factors.