Fishless Or With Fish Cycle?

[MarvinWillis]

I read many articles saying it is best to cycle with hardy fish.Should i do this or just do it without?

 

[ShoC]

without

 

[iihay]

I read many articles saying it is best to cycle with hardy fish.Should i do this or just do it without?

Having just completed a fish in cycle I would recommend a fishless cycle. I didn't lose any fish but you have to be so vigilent with testing and water changes. I was doing 3 partial changes a day for part of it. The fishless option seems to be a far better option and is far better for the fish. I am sure a lot of more experienced fishkeepers are going to wade in and tell you to do fishless from the fish health perspective.

Do use a good test kit though whatever you do.

Iain

 

[backtotropical]

Fishless every time

 

[GRJ]

Fishless, i did fish in and its hard hard work with the constant water changes and fish dying! Also, it take longer because of the amount of water changes! GRJ

 

[tetraqueen]

I believe everyone who does fishless does both but those that do a fish less cycle lose less fish in the fish cycle.

I would not hesitate and start running a fish less cycle first.

There is different ways to do it.

Most tell yu not to use a bottle I did and would say it worked for me.

Its your experience your choice but remember go slow and patient it pays off in the long run.

 

[iihay]

I believe everyone who does fishless does both but those that do a fish less cycle lose less fish in the fish cycle.

I would not hesitate and start running a fish less cycle first.

There is different ways to do it.

Most tell yu not to use a bottle I did and would say it worked for me.

Its your experience your choice but remember go slow and patient it pays off in the long run.

Yes the bacterial cultures seemed to be universally disliked but I used Tetra SafeStart and my fish-in tank cycled very quickly.

Iain

 

[pauly]

I believe everyone who does fishless does both but those that do a fish less cycle lose less fish in the fish cycle.

That is the most difficult sentence to read, ever

 

[Rooster]

....depends on your viewpoint, do you want to care for fish, or just keep fish ?

 

[jhf18]

From my limited experience I would recommend a fishless cycle, I know it takes longer and your tank will be empty for 6-8 weeks but it really is worth it because your fish will be a lot healthier if they are put in a cycled tank. When i first got my tank i cycled for about a week and then the urge to get fish was too much and i got 6 tiger barbs, I lost all of these fish. So the second time I cycled using fish flakes (put the in some old tights, I didnt and the tank was a complete mess) and it worked prefectly and now my fish are happy and healthy.

Good luck on whichever way you choose

 

[littlest]

I cycled with fish the first time (didn't know about fishless cycling then) and I've done fishless cycles twice. Having done both I would definately say do a fishless cycle.

If you do a cycle with fish you are constantly testing the water, constantly doing water changes, fish are likely to get ill and die. It's not a very nice start to fish-keeping at all.

Also fishless cycles are quicker to cycle the tank because with a fish-in cycle you are always removing the ammonia so the fish don't die.

And although you will have an empty tank for a few weeks with a fishless cycle, once it is finished you can fully stock straight away whereas with a fish-in cycle you have to stock slowly.

 

[arvlyn]

I believe everyone who does fishless does both but those that do a fish less cycle lose less fish in the fish cycle.

I would not hesitate and start running a fish less cycle first.

There is different ways to do it.

Most tell yu not to use a bottle I did and would say it worked for me.

Its your experience your choice but remember go slow and patient it pays off in the long run.

Yes the bacterial cultures seemed to be universally disliked but I used Tetra SafeStart and my fish-in tank cycled very quickly.

Iain

Another vote for bacterial cultures. I have great success with Stress-Zyme.

 

[GRJ]

I have used Stress Zyme twice, it didnt work either time so i dont have any faith in it, bt if it worked for you, Woohoo! I have heard that Bactinettes(UK) is good, or Bio-spira (US) is good. I think Bactinettes isnt the easiest product to source though and it should be refrigerated. GRJ

 

[Leitch]

....depends on your viewpoint, do you want to care for fish, or just keep fish ?

Perfect Answer.

 

[MarvinWillis]

I wanna care and keep the fish. I love Aquatic animals they are so interesting.