Alternative to the Evasive Bio-Spira?

[test4echo]

Does anyone know of an alternative to Bio-spira? No LFSs near me sell it and i need something that is in a bottle with a cap because I just need it for a 5g and a 10g. Anyone know of anything?

 

[twig]

You won't find Bio-Spira at your LFS -- UYsually you have to order that stuff online imo...

http://www.aquariumplants.com/ <--

 

[sumthin fishy]

Why not try a fishless cycle with some filter sqeezings from an established tank?

 

[test4echo]

Why not try a fishless cycle with some filter sqeezings from an established tank?

How would I do a fishless cycle?

 

[plah831]

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64301
That link will tell you how to cycle, including fishless. Keep in mind it still takes as long as cycling with fish (at least 4 weeks). BioSpira is usually for emergencies, like if you're getting a shipment of fish next week and you need the tank cycled ASAP.

Plus it's really expensive. My LFS sells it for $20 for a tiny amount sufficient to treat only 15 gallons.

 

[Roan Art]

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64301
That link will tell you how to cycle, including fishless. Keep in mind it still takes as long as cycling with fish (at least 4 weeks). BioSpira is usually for emergencies, like if you're getting a shipment of fish next week and you need the tank cycled ASAP.

Plus it's really expensive. My LFS sells it for $20 for a tiny amount sufficient to treat only 15 gallons.

Bio Spira comes in 1 and 3 oz packages. The 1oz size treats up to 30 gallons and the 3oz size treats up to 90 gallons.

Roan

 

[sumthin fishy]

Filter squeezings can greatly speed up that 4 week fishless process too.

 

[test4echo]

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64301
That link will tell you how to cycle, including fishless. Keep in mind it still takes as long as cycling with fish (at least 4 weeks). BioSpira is usually for emergencies, like if you're getting a shipment of fish next week and you need the tank cycled ASAP.

Plus it's really expensive. My LFS sells it for $20 for a tiny amount sufficient to treat only 15 gallons.

I actually am getting a shipment of fish in the next few weeks so i need to get it cycled soon!!!

 

[rosita]

Another option is a "seeded media" cycle, where you borrow media from another established tank (eg, filter, top layer of gravel, any rocks or objects with texture that would hold the beneficial bacteria. I did a cycle in 3 days using seeded media. No problems.

 

[Chickieepooh2u]

Another option is a "seeded media" cycle, where you borrow media from another established tank (eg, filter, top layer of gravel, any rocks or objects with texture that would hold the beneficial bacteria. I did a cycle in 3 days using seeded media. No problems.

This is my preferred method. Got a cycle on my 33 gallon in 4 days that way. No panic moments either.