Notsofab
Fish Fanatic
OK, I have back tracked from my earlier post about fish selection and have returned to this business about Fishless cycling. I really want to do this properly, without harming or killing my first fish. The problem is I now have so much (conflicting) advice that I am really confused now and would like to ask some further questions?
I have read the very detailed article about Fishless cycling and understand the process which all makes perfect logical sense to me. I can see why the process is necessary and how scientifically it makes sense. I also understand that a lot of you people have been keeping fish for years and have lots of experience and many of you have learned the hard way through these experiences. I am not questioning the advice you give!
However, I cannot seem to find any LFS that recommends the ammonia method. ALL of the shops I have spoken to (at least 10 now) say that all I need to do is use a product by Nutrafin called 'CYCLE' and follow the directions for setting up a new tank. These weren't all 2 bob local pet shops either, some were major aquarium suppliers with various awards and acreditations. In fact I even asked in one such aquarium if they stocked pure ammonia to use in a new tank fishless cycle. They replied "oh know that's the old fashioned way, people don't do it like that any more."
Now I understand that the shops may have some commercial motivations to promote the 'Cycle' product, but surely they are not all that unscrupilous and want peoples fish to die? Surely all the suppliers wouldn't readily supply these products if the didn't work? On top of that, it is nearly impossible to get pure ammonia anywhere - the best I have managed is household ammonia which only contains 9.5% ammonia solution. Why don't fish suppliers stock ammonia if it is an essential part of the tank preparation process?
So what I would like to know is has anyone here actually tried to prepare a new tank with these 'CYCLE' products and recorded the results? Do they work as expected? What are the drawbacks to using them? Is this a case of the 'technology' moving on but people are still prefer using the older, proven methods?
I guess what also really concerns me is that I will at some stage HAVE to rely on the word and knowledge of my LFS. Afterall, I doubt I will have a working internet connection with me when I eventually choose my first fish! It would be comforting to know that they aren't turning me over every time I reach for my wallet!
I just want a balanced unbias and informed opinion of both sides of the arguement. I am a complete beginner.
Thanks.
I have read the very detailed article about Fishless cycling and understand the process which all makes perfect logical sense to me. I can see why the process is necessary and how scientifically it makes sense. I also understand that a lot of you people have been keeping fish for years and have lots of experience and many of you have learned the hard way through these experiences. I am not questioning the advice you give!
However, I cannot seem to find any LFS that recommends the ammonia method. ALL of the shops I have spoken to (at least 10 now) say that all I need to do is use a product by Nutrafin called 'CYCLE' and follow the directions for setting up a new tank. These weren't all 2 bob local pet shops either, some were major aquarium suppliers with various awards and acreditations. In fact I even asked in one such aquarium if they stocked pure ammonia to use in a new tank fishless cycle. They replied "oh know that's the old fashioned way, people don't do it like that any more."
Now I understand that the shops may have some commercial motivations to promote the 'Cycle' product, but surely they are not all that unscrupilous and want peoples fish to die? Surely all the suppliers wouldn't readily supply these products if the didn't work? On top of that, it is nearly impossible to get pure ammonia anywhere - the best I have managed is household ammonia which only contains 9.5% ammonia solution. Why don't fish suppliers stock ammonia if it is an essential part of the tank preparation process?
So what I would like to know is has anyone here actually tried to prepare a new tank with these 'CYCLE' products and recorded the results? Do they work as expected? What are the drawbacks to using them? Is this a case of the 'technology' moving on but people are still prefer using the older, proven methods?
I guess what also really concerns me is that I will at some stage HAVE to rely on the word and knowledge of my LFS. Afterall, I doubt I will have a working internet connection with me when I eventually choose my first fish! It would be comforting to know that they aren't turning me over every time I reach for my wallet!
I just want a balanced unbias and informed opinion of both sides of the arguement. I am a complete beginner.
Thanks.
.
. so in short when tank 1 becomes empty i am gona give it a very good clean replace stuff & do a fishless cycle on it so that will be ok as well.
