What is the fastest way to cycle a tank without useing bio-spira?

Answer 1

Honestly, we've found that ammonium chloride (it's available in a powder form - we found ours on Ebay) works the quickest. Those bacteria supplements, like Stress Zyme, Cycle, etc, are nothing but a waste of money - most of the bacteria is dead by the time it hits the shelves. We added a pinch of ammonium chloride to 20 gallons - basically enough to spike it up to 4ppm. We waited a couple of days (I think it really only took three days) for it to go down, and spiked it up to 4ppm again. Tested the water again in three days, and we had nitrites. After that, we just "fed" the tank some food and called it a week. Within two weeks, we had a fully functioning cycle.

If you can, get some seeded material from someone you can trust. A handful of gravel, a filter sponge, maybe a decoration - anything will do. Just know that the bacteria only grow on solid surfaces and not in the water.

Answer 2

I'm cycling my new tank at the moment as well. I'm using a bacteria supplement (found at major pet stores), though I'm not sure how well it will work.

You can also use some hardy fish (ie zebra danios), though this is not recommended because it can kill the fish. If you have access to an established aquariam, some water or a plant from that will do the trick. Good luck!