Cycling 55 gallon

[angel]

Can anyone give me a rule of thumb on how many fish it takes to cycle a 55 gallon tank. Intend to use Danios (tiger) Thanks for any help

[fishy45cory]

As few as possible.

[jaxjags64109]

I've had 10 zebra danios in my 55 gal for about 2 weeks and the cycling has been very slow compared to what I expected. My ammonia levels have never reached dangerous levels and are usually barely detectable. I wish I knew more because I'm getting impatient and feel compelled to add more fish but so far I am resisting that urge.

[O-man21]

It's better not to add any, and just go to your fish store and buy tetra's "bio-Spira", which is live bacteria in a bottle. ANd then on a daily (I think, not an expert wait for someone better) basis add regular ammonia in some ammount (sam as pervious perenthesis) to act as the fish. called Fishless cycling

[daveedka]

It's hard to give a rule of thumb for time, But a small load like 10 zebra's in a 55 will cycle a tank a little slower. Although it is always frustrating to wait, I reccomend any time you do a fishy cycle you take your time and do it slowly, also when you add more stock do it slowly as well. Once the bacteria is estabilished, it still has to multiply to account for larger bio-loads. Daily testing is important, and if Ammonia or Nitrite levels start to rise, they should be controlled with water changes to keep your fish happy. There are some hardy fish (danios included) which tend to be less sensative to fluctuations, but it is not fun for any fish to go through the cycle and ammonia and nitrite will kill any fish at some level. I am not familiar with the bio-Spira product except that I have seen it recommended enough on this site to think it probably helps. Anything that makes the cycle easier for your fish is a good thing. If you are in a hurry I would find out more about Bio-spira and try it, A "live" filter sponge, or substrate from another working tank will provide similar results by adding bacteria rather than waiting for it to grow.