2006-12-25 05:25:03 · 7 answers · asked by Smooth as butter on a kitten! 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
1. Fill your filter up with media from an already mature tank. Perhaps a friend with a big enough tank can give you some, or the fish store will often give or sell it to you. This could be any foam or biological media, or gravel from an aquarium using an under-gravel filter. This method has always worked 100% for me.
2. Use bio-spira. Most of these 'cycle' products aren't worth the bottle they come in, but this one is an exception. Make sure it is refridgerated when you buy it and until it is used.
Simply adding water from another tank won't accomplish much because bacteria grows on surfaces in the aquarium, it isn't free swimming in the water.
2006-12-25 06:20:41 · answer #1 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There are a few ways to shorten the cycle of a tank.
The first and easiest is to add gravel from an established tank. Just dump in the gravel from the running system into your new tank. This will add a starter of the beneficial bacteria. Many pet stores will give you some "seed" gravel for this purpose. Just ask them.
The second is to move an established filter from a running tank to the new tank. Basically this filter has all the bacteria you need on it and will be able to break down the ammonia and nitrites immediately.
Finally you can use a product like bio spira to jumpstart the bacteria.
2006-12-25 17:19:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
To help out with cycling, you can put a frozen shrimp from the grocery store in the tank to get the bacteria started.
2006-12-25 18:38:48 · answer #3 · answered by pigs003 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Attach a matured power filter of the appropriate size for your aquarium. Or pour in the appropriate size package of BIO-Spira.
2006-12-25 13:37:48 · answer #4 · answered by TarKettle 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
agree with ghapy. I would also recommend that you let your tank stand at least 24 hrs before intriducing fish. I have used bioZyme with great success for start up plus stress coat.
2006-12-25 15:19:49 · answer #5 · answered by finis b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to "quick cycle" a tank is to buy a water conditioning product. Add how much the directions say for how much water you have. These products neutralize chlorines, chloramines, heavy metals, etc. Ive used them with great results! You can also "borrow" water and rock from an existing tank. Good Luck :)
2006-12-25 13:39:39 · answer #6 · answered by Chad 2 · 0⤊ 6⤋
ask your pet shop to give you some dirty water
2006-12-26 19:07:30 · answer #7 · answered by bill b 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋