Fishless Cycling-a technique

[gunpilot]

In the last three months I have cycled three tanks.

I looked at all of the information that recommended using a commercial ammonia and decided that was too difficult. All I did was sprinkle large flakes of goldfish food into the tanks and let it be. The flakes actually settled in one place and began to "rot" , the ammonia levells rose then fell, the nitrites rose, then fell, and all was well, as I understand cycling and the "Nitrogen Cycle". Tank size and filter capacity surely has a role, but I just did a WalMart special 10g in 3 1/2 weeks, the longest of all.

Granted you ought to keep an eye on it as you add fish, but it ain't rocket science. Just a bit of something to produce ammonia and get the cycle going.

Interestingly enough, the large flakes of goldfish food did not totally disappear, so when I did a HUGE water change at the end point, I was able to vacuum the debris up and out.

Just food for thought

Jack

[Kasakato]

Adding ammoina is better because can control how high your levels are going to be. Only if you have to, I would use this method.

[gunpilot]

Undertand the PPM bit in all of the threads and being able to control it. If you "grow" enough bacteria to eliminate ammonia and successfully continue the cycle, is it an issue how high it goes??

My problem was with finding a suitable off the shelf ammonia. I just figured something that would "rot" in my tank and produce ammonia would be suitable.

Once again, understanding the 'Cycle", I don't think it is higher math or rocket science. I read so many threads in which people were actually recommending which chain store to go to for a few drops of ammonia!

Don't get me wrong. I would love to hire each of these detail oriented people who wish to dole out a chemical drop by drop, but there is generally a simpler way.

[Kasakato]

Yes you need to watch how much good bacteria you have. This is called Nirtrates and should be keeped under 20ppm. They can be lowered with water changes.

I had the same problem. I ended up getting some filter media from the LFS. I added this fish, and everything went ok.

Cycling and fish keeping can be like rocket science. Look at planted tanks, and salt water tanks for expamle. There are many, many leves you have to watch over. (I know for myself)

"Simpler dosent always mean better." Just to quote.

[RTR]

Using food as an ammonia source is a venerable practice (up to and including using shrimp). It does have the advantage of providing food for the heterotrophs as well as the nitrification bacteria. But it is not readily quantifiable, and a novice fishkeeper needs to be able to quantify IMHO. Then they know when they have reached the end point and that the filters/tank are ready for fully stocking.

When I am "holding" an empty but mature tank (unplanted), I alternate ammonia and food to keep all the bacteria/infusoria going well. But then I do know how much food to use, and few if any novices start off with that awareness.