Cycling Minnows

[Cstratton7]

I'm getting 6-10 minnows from our creek to cycle my tank. I don't want to look for clear ammonia because the nearest place that might possibly have it is about 20-30 miles away, and i am kinda busy with school anyway. I've used minnows before, and they are easy to get. Only thing i'm not sure on is if i will keep them or set them free once the tank is cycled and i get my other fish.

 

[Alien Anna]

Before you do so, are you sure this is legal? You may not be allowed to just take native fish from a river and use them for cycling (which is likely to damage their health and future breeding potential).

Oh, and if you want to reconsider fishless cycling you could use fish food rather than ammonia - it works just as well in my experience.

 

[Cstratton7]

I am positive that it is legal where i am. We net minnows all the time for bait when we go fishing, and they are EXTREMELY hardy. I've never had a single on get sick or die on me.