Could i use Top Fin Bacteria Supplement?

Question

I read a bunch of articles about tank cycling, etc. but then i went to PetSmart to see what kind of fish they had. I also asked what i needed to do before i got fish and the guy simply said to get some Top Fin water conditioner, put it in and run tank for 48 hours, then add fish. That was it. But i heard there needed to be some bacteria in the tank as well. Would the bacteria supplement work, or do i need to grow my own? (i read the articles and they confused me). Also, if I can use it, how long after i put it in can i get fish?

Answer 1

The bacteria are NOT DEAD. They are spores. In the right condition (your tank supplies the food they need) they will grow. You can't use stuff like this (or Cycle or Stress Zyme) with medications or other ammonia neutralizing supplements.
It is not a miracle product. It will take about 4 weeks to cycle the tank vs. 6 or more weeks without it. If you do water changes, be sure to add more supplement too.

Answer 2

Nine times out of 10 the bacteria in the bottle are already dead, because they sat on the shelf too long.

The absolute safest way to cycle your tank is to let nature take its course. Remember when keeping an aquarium less is more, and patience is a virtue.

When I mean is the more you try to rush things the more problems you're going to run into, and reaching for a bottle of chemicals should always be the last thing you do.

There are a few things you can do to try and speed up the cycling process. Make sure the temperature in your tank is between 74 and 78 but no higher than 80°. And put a few small fish in the tank by themselves, their waste products will accelerate the cycle process. But no more than two or three small fish, anymore than that and you will overwhelm any bacteria that are there.

Good luck.
E.

Answer 3

The water conditioner will remove chlorine and chlorimanes from your water, but does nothing for the bacterial cycle at all.

The bacteria boost claims to aid the bacteria, but it does not contain any beneficial bacteria. That will still have to grow in your tank. Personally, I feel it's a waste of money.

You might want to check out fishless cycling. Try a google search for fishless cycling. If you have any questions about it drop me a line. You can set up your tank and be ready for fish in a few eeks tht way and not have to worry.

You can add fish without the fishless cycling first. You could only add 1-2 and will need to do several large water changes a week for a few weeks to get the cycle going before you add more fish.

MM

Answer 4

The chemical can quicken the cycle, but not down to 48 hours. You will still need to change water for at least a week or two.