Cycle products

[pandapops001]

Do i really need this??

Cycle Biological Aquarium Supplement
Contains beneficial bacteria to eliminate harmful toxins, rapidly matures new aquarium water, and accelerates biological waste breakdown.

NEW Improved Super Concentrated Formula

Faster removal of ammonia & nitrite
Faster activation when applied to the aquarium
More nitrifying bacteria
Eliminates higher levels of ammonia & nitrite than original Cycle
No need to refrigerate after opening
Last longer after opening than original cycle

Do i need this??

 

[thecichlidaddict]

If your tank is already established then absolutely not, there is no point in wasting your money because your tank is already cycled.

If your tank is not cycled then you are still further ahead to add filter media from an established tank. It's free, and it works. In my experience and from what I've heard from most people this stuff doesn't do much at all, and isn't worth the bottle it comes in.

 

[pandapops001]

Its just i've started adding the ammonia (fishless cycle), for the first time today before that i was using fish flakes, and the guy at the lfs said that if i'm so insistant on doing a fishless cycle, which they do not recommend, i need to buy a cycle product like the one shown above, just wondered whether i needed to, as i dont know anyone with an established tank.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Yours is not the first fish store to knock the fishless cycle, because it is not making them any money.

You do know somebody with an established filter--fish stores have lots! Filter floss is so cheap that they don't mind giving you some. If they do, perhaps you should consider finding an lfs more devoted to customer service.

 

[CFC]

The only so called liquid bacteria product that has been proven to work is Bio spira, this is also the only product that must be kept refridgerated and has a sell by date.

All the other products such as cycle and bacterlife are about as much use as adding a bottle full of dechlorinated water to the tank.

 

[pandapops001]

I asked the lfs about getting filter media etc, but they turned me down and said it wasnt company policy as they could not be held responsible for any mishaps etc.

Thats why i asked about other help, so its worth me getting some Bio Spira, as i dont know anyone else with an established tank.

Do i then just add that daily with the pure ammonia??

Thanks in advance
Miranda

 

[Fishstix]

Is Bio-Spira available in the U.K? I can't get it here in the U.S. since their factory burned down.

 

[gixer]

save your money and just keep adding the ammonia anyway would be my advice.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

You only have the one fish store where you live pandapops?

 

[ChristineST]

Actually I've heard that Bio Spira (which seems impossible to get these days; I've heard the manufacturer is unable to provide any for quite a long time as the demand was just too high) is not the only product that might work. FritzPet's Turbostart is another refrigerated bacterial nitrifying agent. It's also hard to come across though...I've tried several stores in my area. One is looking into ordering it for me. The rest had never heard of it! You can buy it online, if you don't mind paying $40 (US) for UPS next day air (it has to stay fresh).

Christine T
Maryland, USA

 

[pandapops001]

Well there is only one which isnt too far, as i dont drive, and the petstores that actually specialise in tropical fish is dwindling, there used to be lots around but it seems to be getting less and less, (typical now i've bought my first tank lol)

Gixer - what will happen if i just keep adding the ammonia, will it just sort itself out, and do i need to be doing water changes??

I'm waiting for my test kits to arrive on wednesday, so i'll test the levels then

 

[gixer]

Well there is only one which isnt too far, as i dont drive, and the petstores that actually specialise in tropical fish is dwindling, there used to be lots around but it seems to be getting less and less, (typical now i've bought my first tank lol)

Gixer - what will happen if i just keep adding the ammonia, will it just sort itself out, and do i need to be doing water changes??

I'm waiting for my test kits to arrive on wednesday, so i'll test the levels then

i didnt realise you didnt have tests yet... how did you work out how much ammonia to add?

you need to be adding enough ammonia to be getting a reading of about 4-5 ppm on your test add that daily (some dont agree) untill your nitrite reaches its peak...then half the dose...keep adding untill your ammonia and nitrite reads zero.

nitrate will be syk high then and a very big water change is nescesary otherwise it will be hard to get down later..

this can take between 2 weeks and 5 weeks usually 2 or 3 and your tank will be ready for a decent amount of stock..

no need for water changes or anything as there are no fish involved yet... only time u need to do a water change is if you mess up and tip nearly half a bottle of ammonia in by mistake like i did lol )

good luck... if u need any more help...pm me

 

[msn711]

You could also try BioZyme. I've heard good things about it, and I've used it in my own 20g tank with good results.

 

[atkinspa]

I agree with Gixer I have just cycled my first tank, tried all the supposedly wonderful additives ( cycle, Bactalife, Ect) IMO I found they did not make much difference, still had ammoinia and high Nitrites. In the end i gave up and did regular water changes and just let thing happen naturally. Could have saved myself pounds