Brine shrimp

[platyperson]

Can you use brine shrimp to cycle a tank instead of buying amonia?

 

[f250fisherman]

I always cycle a tank the old fashioned way. Put a fish in it, let the tank cycle like it will. It takes about 6 weeks for it to cycle. Cycling doesn't stop water changes..it just lessens the times it needs done. All my community tanks get a partial water change every 2 weeks. I do a gravel wash, and replace 30% of the water. In 2 weeks, I replace 30% of the water, and then change the filter. That way, the filter is changed every month, and the bottom is washed every month. I keep the good bacteria, and have clean water added. Normally..it is about 3 weeks till you start seeing ammonia in a larger tank with 1-2 fish. Do a 20% change. It's probably week 5 before you may have to do 3-4 partials of 20% before the cycling is done. If you change it too often, you interrupt the cycling.

IMO..cycling with ammonia or some other chemical...is only needed if you want to put several fish in a tank...and you don't have the patience to wait till it cycles naturally.

Why are you wanting to cycle it fishless?

 

[Kittycat]

Aren't brine shrimps saltwater?

 

[shrks1fan]

Fisher, people co fishless cycling so as to not risk the life of the fish that you would normally cycle a tank with. It's not uncommon for some or all of the fish to die, and even if they don't die, they are being forced to live in an unhealthy tank until it cycles. I'm a big proponent of fishless cycling, I've done it many times and it works like a charm. Yes it's a bit boring having this tank with no fish in it for 2 weeks but it makes me feel better than risking the fishes life.

As for using Brine Shrimp, I would say no, as they don't live long enough except in perfect the perfect setup, made espcecially for raising brine shrimp. If you don't have ammonia, you can use fish food. As for the food breaks down and detriates, ammonia is formed, however it's impossible to know for sure how much to use, that's why ammonia is best as you can do an ammonia test right after adding the ammonia.

Here is a link to my fishless cycling page from my own experiences if you're interested in checking it out:

http/www.pet-emporium.com/files/index.php?id=16

Linda

 

[f250fisherman]

I've never done a fishless cycle..and haven't lost any fish because of it. The whole thing is to not overstock the tank until it's cycles. The biggest reason for losing fish..is the ammonia level goes up. If there is not too many fish..it will not go up very fast at all..plus the partial water changes keeps everything in check. Too many times someone puts too many fish in, because they can't wait...and don't change any water..thinking it will cycle and they don't have to..For 1 fish..I would put it in and do water changes..
eventually you could do less water changes as the cycle starts..

 

[shrks1fan]

True, but most people aren't as good of fishkeepers as you and most people do lose fish, also fishless cycling is much faster, especially if you have some filter material or gravel from an established tank (one you trust of course). Most people aren't willing to just put a couple fish in, they want to stock it full (overfull in many cases) right away, and that's just impossible until it's fully cycled.

But you are right, if you are very careful, patient and willing to do the regular, small water changes, then with fish is fine.

Linda

 

[platyperson]

oh now I get it. thanks for the site shrks1fan.