Cycle again

[gearyboy]

I have read severel articles about fishless cyling but there are questions I have:

1) Are you still doing water changes during the process
2) I set up my tank with everything new ie gravel rocks filter and plastic plants- will two real plants be enough to get going?
3) If I am doing water changes do I dechlorinate the water first?
4) As the tank is set up with with none treated tap water should I dechlorinate the tank water before I start the cycle?
5) Its a 29 gallom tank, how much ammonia should I add initially?
Matt

 

[modernhamlet]

I have read severel articles about fishless cyling but there are questions I have:

1) Are you still doing water changes during the process
2) I set up my tank with everything new ie gravel rocks filter and plastic plants- will two real plants be enough to get going?
3) If I am doing water changes do I dechlorinate the water first?
4) As the tank is set up with with none treated tap water should I dechlorinate the tank water before I start the cycle?
5) Its a 29 gallom tank, how much ammonia should I add initially?
Matt

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1. Generally, no.
2. Ammonia is the only thing you really need to get going, but 2 plants will definitely help the bacteria colony get started.
3. Always dechlorinate the water. Chlorine kills bacteria as well as fish.
4. Yes.
5. Enough to bring ammonia levels to around 4-5ppm. Amount varies depending on the strength of the ammonia solution.

Hope that helps!

 

[gearyboy]

Thank you so you dont actually need real plants to complete the cycle?

 

[trace1]

no you don't need the plants to complete cycle, they just help it along a bit

 

[rdd1952]

Make sure the ammonia you use is pure ammonia with no detergent or surfactants in it. If the ingredients list anything other than ammonia, water or chleating agents (bonding agent to keep the water and ammonia "mixed") then it won't work. If no ingred. label, shake the bottle. If it foams, it won't work. A few air bubbles that immediately go away are fine.

 

[mux11]

When do water changes start? My tank has been set up for about 5 weeks now. I did seed it with a sponge from an established tank. watched and levels are indicating a completed cycle.

I also have a good break out of brown algae.. Im ready to do water changes when is a good time to start

 

[rdd1952]

When do water changes start? My tank has been set up for about 5 weeks now. I did seed it with a sponge from an established tank. watched and levels are indicating a completed cycle.

I also have a good break out of brown algae.. Im ready to do water changes when is a good time to start

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If your tank has completely cycled (fishless), you should have very high nitrates (over 100 ppm). Do a large water change (75 to 90 percent) to remove the nitrates and then you are ready to add your fish. From there you would need to do water changes on a normal basis. Most people do the weekly (15 to 25 percent) but some do them every 2 weeks.