Fishless Cycle Help

[chigwellhammer]

Cheers Flutter, I will check amazon now

Can i ask do people use this? It says you can add fish straight away...
http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/API-QUICK-START-118ML-LIVE-FILTER-BACTERIA-LIMITS-AMMONIA-NITRITE-NATURAL-/330737094419?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item4d01778f13

 

[fluttermoth]

There are some 'bacterial additives that do seem to work (Dr Tim's One and Only is very highly spoken of by some, although I don't know if that's available in the UK), for some people, but in general they turn out to be a waste of time and money.

If you want to try it, do so by all means, but as an addition to a fishless cycle, not instead of, just in case it doesn't work, which would leave you in a fish-in cycle.

 

[chigwellhammer]

Ok cheers, Think i will avoid it..

Will this be ok to buy?
http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Homecare-Ammonia-500ml-Stain-Remover-For-Sinks-Baths-Tiles-Clothing-Ovens-/370653793843?pt=UK_HomeGarden_CLV_Cleaning_CA&hash=item564cb00e33

 

[fluttermoth]

Hmm, I can't tell from looking at that whether it might have any surfectants or perfumes in it; I would go for this one, as many people have used it for fishless cycles, so you know it's the right stuff

 

[chigwellhammer]

Which is this one for a lot cheaper?

http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kleen-Off-Household-Ammonia-Suitable-for-fishless-aquarium-cycling-500ml-/370644379331?pt=UK_HomeGarden_CLV_Cleaning_CA&hash=item564c2066c3

Really appreciate the help Flutter

 

[fluttermoth]

You're very welcome

Yes, that's the one; I know lots have people have used that successfully.

 

[chigwellhammer]

Thats great i will order some straight away

I will be buying this tank on probably Thursday, Do you reckon the filter that comes with it will be ok to home a Betta? And when cycling do i have the filter and heater running.

http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180996541496?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, that filter will be fine, as long as you don't overstock the tank.

Yes, you must have the filter running, as it's inside the filter that the bacteria will grow, so if there's no flow running through it, the bacteria won't get any food.

You can cycle without a heater, but the bacteria will grow much faster with that on too. Most people turn the heater up to 28/30°C while cycling, as that's the optimum temperature for bacterial growth, and turn it down again once the cycle's finished

 

[chigwellhammer]

Ok thats great thanks, What should i do about live plants add before or after cycle?

 

[fluttermoth]

Probably best done after, as if you have plants you have to have the lights on, which can encourage algae growth, as well as absorbing some of the ammonia, but it doesn't make all that much difference, tbh.

 

[chigwellhammer]

Ok i will add after, Think that is all my questions for now