I just wanted to say a few words about Bio-Spira. I have read on alot of forums about "instant cycling" with Bio-Spira, though I think it is a great product, this is really not the case.Though I am no expert on fishkeeping, I am familiar with the nitrogen cycle and can tell you my experience has been that no matter what you use, you will still get an ammonia and nitrite spike. The manufacterers of Bio-Spira claim that it is not the nitrobacters and nitrosonomas, but nitrospiras and nitrosospiras that are the nitrifying bacteria and by introducing this bacteria instead you can cycle the tank quicker. However that is all it does, it does not cycle the tank overnight. Keeping this in mind, you should still choose fish that are appropriate to cycle a tank with. Do not add Bio-Spira and immediately stock your tank to capacity or stock with sensitive fish because you will lose them. Another method is to dose with Bio-Spira and do a fishless cycle with either pure ammonia or shrimp, although I know that an empty tank can be bothersome for the impatient. So, in closing I will say that patience is the key to successful fishkeeping, and that Bio-Spira will definitely shorten cycle time, it will definitely not be the "overnight success" that you may think it will be. Monitor your water closely during the cycling period so that you may take emergency action if necessary.Good Luck and Happy Fishkeeping!!
A note on Bio-Spira
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Good advice!
Impatience has been the downfall of many beginners, and some more experienced aquarists. It's tough to look at a fallow tank for weeks while it cycles and you're planning the livestock. I'm very leery of any "instant" quality touted in products. There is no such thing as an instant cycle.
Allow the tank to cycle.
Research the needs and compatability of the livestock you're planning to add.
Add the livestock in small increments to let the filtration build up to the bio-load.
Monitor the newcomers closely.
This is a great hobby, but patience is the watchword.
Impatience has been the downfall of many beginners, and some more experienced aquarists. It's tough to look at a fallow tank for weeks while it cycles and you're planning the livestock. I'm very leery of any "instant" quality touted in products. There is no such thing as an instant cycle.
Allow the tank to cycle.
Research the needs and compatability of the livestock you're planning to add.
Add the livestock in small increments to let the filtration build up to the bio-load.
Monitor the newcomers closely.
This is a great hobby, but patience is the watchword.