Hello everyone, I've got a question.

[fritzthecat]

Hi all,
I've been reading the boards here for about a month. I'm planning to buy my first tank in a few months (I'm going to move soon...better wait until then). I'm just trying to learn as much as I can before I jump in.
Here's my question...
I've been reading alot of posts about cycling. I agree with the argument against cycling the tank with damsels or other fish, but I can only imagine how shrimp ROTTING in your tank would smell. If the purpose of adding fish or dead shrimp is to add a source of ammonia...
Why can't you just add ammonia to the tank?
You could add a little a couple of times a day (or even set up a continuous drip using an IV bag). This seems pretty easy, so I assume there's a reason it won't work.
I'm just curious. I've been enjoying reading the boards (even if its making my wait a little harder )
Fritz
[ June 16, 2001: Message edited by: FritzTheCat ]

 

[dugan]

That's interesting... I added three shrimp to my 58 gallon yesterday to begin a cycle and the odor is already really foul. I found myself wondering the same thing, if you could cycle just using ammonia.
Obviously I don't have the answer, but I'd really like to know too!
Katie

 

[dugan]

By the way Fritz, smart move waiting to buy the tank until you move... I had to move my 58 and my 20 about 4 years ago and it was NOT FUN! For me or the fish.
Katie

 

[twoods71]

I have read that several people have cycled a tank using household amonia. I have never tried it so I cant swear by it but it sounds like it might work. Do a search on Yahoo for cycling a tank and you will find a couple of links about the subject.

 

[krustytheclownfish]

Adding ammonia is definately another way to go, but I couldn't tell you how it's done. I think the reason people don't usually do it is because of the question of how much to add and having to add it on a constant basis. I read about it in books, but I've never done it this way. I have however used the shrimp method and know what you mean about the smell. The good news is that the smell goes away shortly and that the cycle seems to usually be quite abit shorter then normal. Mine cycled in under 2 weeks and I haven't had a problem since(about 4 months ago).

 

[@knight]

would ammonium nitrate work as well? If you use ammonium chloride, wouldnt the chlorine detatch and cause adverse reactions in the tank?

 

[tjswanson]

any chlorine that is in the tank will disipate in 24 hours. And if there aren't any fish I don't see how chlorine can hurt. TJ

 

[@knight]

ok, ill shut up

 

[glenn]

Hi,
Why are you in such a hurry to set up tank?There is nothing wrong with cycling tank with damsels. If you dont like that idea Dont use household products. Get the proper stuff from your lfs, if you are in that much of a hurry that is. You could end up with more problems in the long run doing it the "easy way". With a good sand base and live rock and a few damsels, you can have a good start to a great tank. Bottom line- DONT rush it.
Glenn

 

[glenn]

Also forgot something. Chlorine in a tank kills bacteria that is needed for cycle. Why would you put something in your tank that you never wanted in the first place?

 

[calvin & hobbes]

If you plan on having live rock and live sand, then your tank will cycle without needing the damsel or shrimp method...

 

[dugan]

I don't remember anyone saying they were in a hurry to cycle.
I think the point to using methods other than damsels to cycle a tank is to save the fish from unnecessary suffering (or death) during the cycle.
Many people (myself included) also don't want damsels in their tanks after a cycle which means they must be caught (no simple task) and returned to the LFS, where they will probably be resold only to have to endure the same thing all over again.
I personally just don't think that's fair to the animals.
I'm using the shrimp method for practical and ethical reasons, not to cut corners.
Katie

 

[crablegs]

Has anyone using the shrimp method had a problem with the cycle starting over again once they add fish? I'm sure it would depend on the size and number of fish you add but I'm just curious.

 

[bobj]

"The Marine Aquarium Handbook" by Moe has info on cycling a tank with ammonuim chloride products. I have never used it and friends that have have had difficulties.
Dead shrimp stink. This may be an acceptable
method depending on your tank location.
I have cycled an aggressive 75 gal tank with two damsels that are now part of a tank community with a niger and picasso trigger.
Clowns will also cycle a tank if you are moving to a non-aggressive environment.
Thanks for taking the time to read and learn before jumping in to your first tank.

 

[dugan]

Crablegs, I am afraid of creating a mini-cycle too. My tank cycled in 6 days using 3 shrimp, LS and LR (the LR had had some die-off as a result of my old tank crashing).
The smell was pretty gross for about 5 days but it's gone now.
I've added a small cleanup crew and plan to add just one fish at a time so I don't shock the system.
Katie
(P.S. My old tank crashed due to heater going berserk and cooking it, not due to disease.)

 

[red lobster]

good day all
the smell
the expense of unwanted damsels
here's what you do.
whip out 2 bux and buy 20 feeder guppies since they will live and reproduce in saltwater.
Feed them some flakes to get them all nice & fat. When your tank is cycled your new fish will find a yummy and health treat waiting for them.
Save the shrimp for the barby

 

[krustytheclownfish]

After using the shrimp method to cycle, I added two percs. and didn't have a recycle. I think if you go slow you'll be fine as far as recycling is concerned.

 

[glenn]

If your tanks have cycled properly then you shouldnt have another when you add fish. Did you people wait 4-6 weeks for this to happen all the way? all levels go up and down. You just may not have waited for this to complete.
Glenn

 

[dugan]

Um, yes, the tank IS cycled. No, it did not take 4-6 weeks.
But yes, I will go slowly adding fish because I think it's foolhardy to fully stock a tank too quickly.
Katie