I've never cycled my FW tank before.

[msouth468]

I've maintained a 29 gallon tank and 10 gallon tank for about 10 years (since I was 12) and I can honestly say I've never cycled either one. I've always relied on water changes and mechanical filtration to keep my water clean. I've never experienced an ammonia spike (that I know of). I guess I just want people's input on this matter.

[OrionGirl]

The tank cycled. Gauranteed. Unless you take heroic measures, the bacteria colonies are there and functioning--you just never noticed them. As long as a new tank is stocked gradually, especially if planted, the bacteria colonies can typically build up fast enough to deal with the ammonia levels. The problem arises from getting too many fish in a brand new tank--or putting a large fish in a small tank with no precautions.

[Slappy*McFish]

Agreed, a tank will cycle itself, with or without your involvement.