Cycling: Step by Step

[Kasakato]

Can somone tell me how to cycle step by step. Mabe evan what to do on day 1, day2, etc. I have read a lot on cycling but still dont get it. Also is it a good idea to ues the product called cycle?

 

[N8DOGG]

ok do you have a tank,filter,heater,test kit? These are needed before you start your cycle. What size tank? I will suggest a fishLESS cycle. If you have all the supplies and your tank up and running with water then your ready to cycle.

 

[Kasakato]

I will soon be getting a 20g high tank. And yes I know what I need. I will also be doing a fishless cycle.

 

[N8DOGG]

also get some ammonia. you can get at the grocery store, shake it, if it foams don't use it.

the quick version is add water, and enoguh clear ammonia to get 5ppm keep ammonia at that level until nitrites start to raise and then keep ammona between 2-3 ppm. when nitrites start dropping nitrates will appear. when you can add ammonia and 24 hours later ammonia and nitrite are 0 the cycle is estabilished do a large volume water change to reduce the nitrates created, and add fish. takes 4-6 weeks without a starter culture of bacteria

 

[StreetCypher]

Also is it a good idea to ues the product called cycle?

Don't bother with cycle. Its junk.

 

[Kasakato]

Do you mean add the clear ammonia little by little every day untill it gets to 5 ppm, or add a whole lot the 1st day(to get it at 5 ppm) and little the days after that(to keep it ay 5 ppm)?

 

[Sparkplug]

What happens if you make a mistake and use the foamy kind of ammonia? What precautions can you take to make sure there are no long lasting effects of this.

tks

 

[cgrabe]

Add enough the first day to get it to 5ppm then add whatever is needed later to keep it at that level.

 

[cgrabe]

What happens if you make a mistake and use the foamy kind of ammonia? What precautions can you take to make sure there are no long lasting effects of this.

tks

The foamy ammonia probably has perfumes or other aditives that could taint the water and make it unsafe for fish. Check the ingredients of the ammonia and look for one with very few ingredients listed. If you get pure ammonia, as you should, there will be no negative long-term effects.

 

[Sparkplug]

What happens if you make a mistake and use the foamy kind of ammonia? What precautions can you take to make sure there are no long lasting effects of this.

tks

BUT what IF YOU HAVE used this kind of ammonia?

SP