BioSpira-magic bullet?

[carolw1224]

I've often heard that biospira "instantly" cycles a tank. I feel compelled to share my experience with anyone who may be considering using this product. I'm fishy cycling a 29gal regular with four platties, just entering my third week. I added biospira with my fish as directed, and two weeks later, I'm still getting trace ammonia and nitrite readings. So my tank did not "instantly" cycle. However, I am not bashing biospira. I would (and will) use it again in a heartbeat. What I found is that it "buffers" (not sure if that's the right word, really) the cycle. My ammonia "spiked" at .50, nitrite at .25. This seems considerably lower than many get with a fishy cycle. I'm sure this significantly lessened the stress on my new friends, for which I am grateful. I did get nitrate readings very quickly, within a few days, but I know my tank is not cycled until ammonia and nitrite are at absolute 0, and that hasn't happened yet. Soon, I think.

I guess I'm concerned for the folks who immediately stock their tanks to capacity, chuck in a dose and think everything will be hunky-dorey. Maybe this happens for some, but I shudder to think where I'd be if I'd done that.

Cycling takes time, even with biospira. It takes patience. It takes testing (lots and lots of testing). It takes water changes. Why rush? I plan on having my tank for years and years. If it takes four or five months to fully stock, what's the big deal? I'll actually be disappointed when I'm at capacity.

peeking around for more room to put more tanks...........

Just my two cents. If this belongs in products, please feel free to move accordingly. Thought it could go either place.

Carol

 

[RISK2123]

I'll actually be disappointed when I'm at capacity.

Carol

i think thats why most of us have over 5 tanks. so the fun keeps going and going :clap:

 

[webcricket]

peeking around for more room to put more tanks...........

I need to upgrade my living quarters next to accomodate more tanks, LOL.

One you reach capacity, and get bored, and have no room for more tanks, you can always start in on live plants for the tank(s) if you haven't already.

 

[carolw1224]

There's probably some furniture we don't really need........... and my daughter is going to college next year........ It's a big house, after all.........

Does MTS start with a little itch in the back of your brain? :joke:

 

[YoFishboy]

There's probably some furniture we don't really need........... and my daughter is going to college next year........ It's a big house, after all.........

Does MTS start with a little itch in the back of your brain? :joke:

Hehe...I've been mentally moving my kids out of their rooms for years! I know JUST where da tanks will go!

By the way, once you have the tank up and well seasoned, it can be your bacteria seed tank for years to come...all my current tanks have been seeded by one another, going back to a tank in 1984!