First Fishless Cycle

[DERANGED C0W]

I'm starting my first fishless cycle. Any recomendations on what to buy, etc. So far all I have is the API test kit. How should I go about the cycling? Also, I intend to make the tank planted, nothing crazy(no C02), mostly just amazon swords. Should I go with sand or another substrate?

(the tank is 30 gallons)

 

[CezzaXV]

There's a few articles in the Beginner's Resource Centre that'll help you along your way.

I'm assuming you have a filter? You'll also need a source of ammonia (there's a link in the BRC that'll help you find some).

Don't put plants in your tank until you've finished cycling. They absorb ammonia and will give you lower readings.

Many people here will rant and rave about sand, but go with whatever you like the most. There are a few benefits to sand, but it's mostly just aesthetics.

 

[HayzH]

+1 to all Cezza said xx

 

[fluttermoth]

All you really need for fishless cycling is a tank, filter, heater, dechlorinator, ammonia and test kits.

The substrate doesn't matter for most fish, but if you think there's a possiblity you might want corydoras or loaches in the future, you'd be better off going for sand; saves having to change it later

 

[Gvilleguy]

Deranged C0w -- good luck with the cycling! You should definitely read the cycling threads in the beginner's resource center. With the help of some forum members we also created the "do and do not" list for a fishless cycle that is in my signature. It answers some of the common cycling questions not necessarily addressed by the main cycling threads.

 

[DERANGED C0W]

Thanks guys for all the info! The filter I have is a Tetra Whisper Ex 45. It has carbin filter cartridges that it says to replace every few weeks. Is that good?

 

[white9870]

well im sure someone would correct me if im wrong, but i wouldnt listen to what it says bout changing it every few weeks, i wouldnt change it till it is falling apart, if it gets filled up with crap, then jus lightly clean it in tank water that u have taken out of the tank

 

[BigbruiserAl]

well im sure someone would correct me if im wrong, but i wouldnt listen to what it says bout changing it every few weeks, i wouldnt change it till it is falling apart, if it gets filled up with crap, then jus lightly clean it in tank water that u have taken out of the tank

+1

 

[Gvilleguy]

DON'T use the carbon filters to cycle your tank!! I made that mistake - in 4-5 weeks the carbon saturates, backing up the water flow, and when you discard it you lose a lot of helpful bacteria that colonized the mesh of the packet. Keep the carbon to remove medicine from the tank as needed later - replace the carbon with sponges/biomax/prefilter material instead. (this is explained in the threads in my signature)

 

[BigbruiserAl]

DON'T use the carbon filters to cycle your tank!! I made that mistake - in 4-5 weeks the carbon saturates, backing up the water flow, and when you discard it you lose a lot of helpful bacteria that colonized the mesh of the packet. Keep the carbon to remove medicine from the tank as needed later - replace the carbon with sponges/biomax/prefilter material instead. (this is explained in the threads in my signature)

While i agree with that if the carbon is the sponge type you can just leave it and treat it as normal no need to throw away, have done this on many tanks with no side effects

 

[orandas]

lol ...just wanted to say luv ure user name, since my fish fiasco since july til now, i've felt 'deranged' by my aquarium woes, and hopefully sorted soon, and will no longer be a 'cow' to all within "bad mood" radius.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Agree about carbon sponges...I have never seen that type come with a filter. But if it's a sponge it is fine!

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Agree about carbon sponges...I have never seen that type come with a filter. But if it's a sponge it is fine!

juwel internals and tetratec externals all come with carbon sponges in the Uk again not sure if there differ across the pond

 

[HayzH]

my fluval U2 has a sponge with 1 grey side and one black..i take it this is a carbon sponge?

 

[BigbruiserAl]

my fluval U2 has a sponge with 1 grey side and one black..i take it this is a carbon sponge?

forgot about fluvals, yes it will be carbon