best ways to cycle.

[EdsExotics]

Hey i have just brought a 20 gallon tank and i want to start setting it up now and cycling it. Does anybody have any fast or good ways to cycle a tank. Ive never done it before so i dont really know how to go about it. All help is appreciated.

Ed

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Start with dirty tank water (20%) and dechlorinated tap water (80%). Start filtration and aeration. Add something live and expendable, like a goldfish that has been quarantined 30 days and is known to be disease free.

That's how I do it.

I use goldfish from my feeder breedstock, so they are known disease free animals. Goldfish are hearty, filthy ammonia producing animals.

A slightly dirty filter from an existing. properly cycled tank helps too.

Proper cycling cannot take place without a live animal to provide ammonia for the "good" bacteria.

http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/cyclingEDK.shtml

 

[EdsExotics]

What about plants out of another tank, or some guppies that i have a bit to much of ??

 

[ianclick]

Hi Ed,

The best thing for tank cycling is patience and time, Johnny has given you sound advice and a link to some good tips. It can take upto 10 weeks, my best advice is to stay away from any chemical quick fixes that pet stores may offer you.

Good Luck

 

[flan123]

Hi!

I've been cycling with live plants and fish flakes to provide the ammonia.

Cheers, Mike.