When To Syphon Gravel When Cycling With Fish

[bubble87]

when doing a fish-in cycle when should you start syphoning the gravel?

as you need the good bacteria to build up in the gravel is it best to do it once its cycled?

 

[Timmy_Bee]

you want the bacteria to grow in your filter. very little will grwo in your gravel.

I would syphon from day one, because nasty chemicals can build up in the gravel and poison your fish.

 

[bubble87]

but its a biorb and the good bacteria you need is in the ceramic media

 

[roadmaster]

If you are not overfeeding, or over stocked, then you could vaccum one half the gravel once each week and the other half the following week. This way you will not disturb too much of the bacteria present.
while it is true that the majority of bacteria will be found in the filter, it will establish itself on all surfaces inside the aquarium and in newly set up tanks,,it is best not to remove any more than is necessary to keep water parameter's within non toxic levels.
Would also not clean filter material in anything but dechlorinated water or old aquarium water you take out during changes for same reason.
As mentioned,,if you are not overfeeding,, or overstocked,there is little need to worry about vaccuming the bottom or cleaning the filter while the tank is cycling

 

[bubble87]

thanks roadmaster

 

[Timmy_Bee]

sorry - forgot it was a biorb. You will still get a lot of bacteria in the sponge filter, but yes- it will also grow in your 'ceramic media'. As RM says, 1/2 every week should be good

 

[bubble87]

thankyou