cycle with a few fish

[ernesto]

thanks for the replies to my questions about pump use---I am very new to this hobby and have many questions some which might seem stupid.But I'll ask them anyway.I would like to cycle the tank with a few fish even though I know most would suggest to cycle it fishless.My daughter is excited and it would be difficult to wait. What fish (even two or three) should I buy to begin this process.Also, should I allow the filter to run constantly right now--before I purchase any fish?
And, I guess the heater can run too for a couple of days before fish are purchased?

 

[laboul]

Well you can do fishless but some of the fish are going to die, and that might be more disappointing to your daughter than waiting. I did the same think a month ago when I started: it was heartbreaking when my fish died.

 

[laboul]

One more thing. If you cycle properly that could be fun for your daughter, too. She could be responsible for the testing. Kids love to play with test kits. Some of the chemicals may be nasty, just supervise her while she's doing it.

My two cents, I'm done now. I really do think fishless cycling is the best, but I know it's tough to be patient.

 

[nuttyfishgirl]

so if youve got your readings correct and stable and all appears well is it safe to add fish ???

 

[sneaker]

I've recently set up an aquarium using a strains of ammonia oxidizing bacteria and nitrite oxidizing bacteria I bought at the LFS. They come in a small foil pouch and are kept under refrigeration until you add them to your tank. It works great. Instant cycling. It does require that you add your fish at the same time, as the bacterium need the ammonia produced by the fish in order to multiply and colonize your tank. I hesitate to mention a brand name as I understand that might be construded as advertising. But it works great and it may be the cycling of the future. I added the bacteria along with 10 fish to a 12 gal. tank 18 days ago and the results of water testing for ammonia and nitrite continue to be excellent. Regards, Sneaker

 

[skyharbor]

I started in the hobby at the end of December. At the time, I bought three Black Skirt Tetras because I was told they were pretty tuff fish and would work well for cycling. However, if I had it to do over again, I would go the fishless route. I hate to stress any animal (I have a hard time de-snailing my tank).

Just my 2 cents.

 

[andrew]

lmao believe it or not I cycled my tank with a trout...lol free and who cares if it dies you didnt pay for it

 

[mitfull]

who cares if it dies

...

ive cycled tanks with fish before and it was upsetting for my daughter when fish did die, she just got interested again now ..