Fishless Cycling Question

F

FishingAgain

ShowThemLove.org
Jun 6, 2004
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Las Vegas
www.showthemlove.org
Please accept my apologies is this is a redundant question but I have failed to find this answer via searches and reading:

When doing Fishless Cycling should carbon be used? (Example: I am using Marineland Emperor 400's - the filter cartridge has carbon built into it - should these be in or out during the cycling?)

What about other materials like Nitrate Removal material?

I have Seachem's de*nitrate (white gravel looking material) that I will be using in the baskets that go in my 400's. Should this be used while cycling or not?

Thanks for all the help!

I used Prime on the initial water filling of the tank - just got Seachem's Ammonia Alert Badge that stays in the water - it showed 0 Ammonia.

I have now officially started cycling by adding store bought ammonia - getting ready to test the ppm (added it about 30 minutes ago) - the badge has changed colors.

When I added the ammonia I pulled the carbon packed filter cartridges out since I was not sure if they should be in or out.
 
Well I just answered one of my own questions - the one about Seachem's de*nitrate - the label says it removes nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, and organics from both fresh and marine water.

So obviously it should not be used during cycling (or so it makes sense to me that it should not be but of course if I am too dense to understand something I am missing please feel free to say so).
 
I have another question....

Where does the bacteria come from?

I'm talking about situations such as mine - completely fresh start - no outside source of bacteria.

Is it already in the water but at very low quantities? or what?
 
A little late but...

I believe carbon is ok. it absorbs a little ammonia I think but with fishless, not enough to worry about. it has HUGE surface area and makes a great colonization area for bacteria.
I would, however, leave out the ammonia/nitrite/ate remover like you said.
 
The carbon won't make a significant difference as far as cycle speed, but as was said it is a great place for bacteria to colonize. With an emp you have the bio-wheel so there won't be a lot of need for other bio-media, but IMO the more you have the better off you are. I personally would stay away from the nitrite removers. It's not a bad idea to have them on hand for emergencies (assuming they work) but for general use they shoudn't be necessary.

As far as the source of the bacteria, free starting is slow. bacteria either comes from the tap water, or the air. Although tap water is treated it is of course not sterile so that makes more sense to me, but this is a subject of some debate. one way or another it will eventually show up. It usually takes a couple of weeks for anything to even start happening without a bacteria seed. As many will say try to find some media, gravel etc. from an estabilished tank if you can. Anything in a running tank will have bacteria, but the higher the surface area and oxygen level the more bacteria it will contain. in other words, filter media, gravel, coarse rocks or decor will do much better than smooth decor, plants, or just water. But anything will help, just some things more than others. If you have the patience, IMO it is good to do one cycle very slowly, with frequent testing. You will learn a lot about the processes by watching things happen slowly. Just remember it is a natural process which will start out slowly so don't get impatient. it can take as much as 6-7 weeks although more likely it will take about 4. if you get lucky 3.
Good luck
Dave
 
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