fishless cycles are much more effective for those that dont have much time on their hands like rbishop said. personally, if i were to cycle a brand new tank right now (granted that i did not have any established tanks around) then i would have to do a fishless cycle because there is no way that i have the time to do daily 50% water changes on my tank during the week. plus, im not really fond of the idea of buying a fish to cycle a tank and then returning it because you only got it to cycle your tank.
Cycling with fish!
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IMO, the fishless cycle is probably more humane. But beyond that, having to maintain the right ammonia ppm and test almost daily for 4-6 weeks is a good way to start becoming committed to your tank and to learn the patience it will take to continue in the hobby.
I agree and didnt even think of using a pre existing filter sponge or gravel from a ongoing setup. I did this with my 90 gallon and monitored the water parameters for a week. There was no change no cycle so I added a small group of fish.
I agree on that part 100%. I wasnt trying to be crude with the thread. Was just curious why people would do a fishless cycle form what they have heard.
Alot of good replys here...
I agree on that part 100%. I wasnt trying to be crude with the thread. Was just curious why people would do a fishless cycle form what they have heard.
Alot of good replys here...
CWO4GUNNER
USN/USCG 1974-2004 Weps
In no way Blown 346 were my comments directed at you, they were general and intended to shed a little light on the truth for everyone to reason without judment. Sorry if you felt my comments were, I should have pointed that out in my post.
Well said. I think a lot of people get into fish without knowing how much time and effort it takes to run a healthy tank. Some people never learn.
I don't like using feeder fish for anything. Who knows what kind of nasty diseases they're harboring? Truthfully, I don't like buying any fish from stores. I would much rather buy from a local breeder I can trust or an importer who quarantines for weeks before they sell.
But back on topic, fishless cycling is great. It forces you to learn about the nitrogen cycle and it really works. It also gives you plenty of time to plan your stocking so you don't end up with a bunch of zebra danios that make you mad every time you walk by the tank because you wish you had something better. I think waiting for something exciting is actually good for you. It's better than getting everything you want immediately because the wait and the work make you appreciate it even more when you finally get it.
i was going to stay out of this thread as i'm a firm proponent of fish in cycling. but the cruelty part of it just bugs me. if done properly with testing and waterchanges when needed, how can this be any more cruel than keeping a fish in these little 2-5 gallon tanks where the slightest change can throw the tank into a new cycle? i've seen people say "oh but my tanks cycled, why are my fish dieing?" not realizing they are overfeeding and the ammonia is spiking. i fully understand everyone has their own concience to deal with. this is just my opinion
In no way Blown 346 were my comments directed at you, they were general and intended to shed a little light on the truth for everyone to reason without judment. Sorry if you felt my comments were, I should have pointed that out in my post.
I didnt take anyones comments toward me. I just wanted to let others know I wasnt being a Jerk.lol
I agree with you. I should have been more clear with my first post. The thread wasnt meant to be strictly against fish in cycling. It was mainly meant for people that hear from there LFS etc to just throw fish in and wait. I have seen and heard from customers (when I used to work for a LFS) complain about the fish dying and not knowing why. Then they tell me they were told to just add fish once temperature was up and wait.
I do agree that if you do use fish to cycle, to use Hardy fish, and maintain waterchanges to keep the Ammonia/Nitrate levels in a safer zone.
I hope this thread can help others who plan or are starting to setup a tank.
Feeder fish should NOT be considered DISPOSABLE. They are LIVING creatures and should be treated as such.
EDIT: Sorry I lost my temper. It just really makes me very mad when people call fish things like disposable. nc0gnet0, you are entitled to your opinion I just strongly disagree with it.
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See... when people sell of all their aquarium (and any/all other pets) supplies and use the cash to alleviate the suffering of fellow HUMANS... then they'll look much better up on their soap-box.
But I also understand where you're coming from... I have my own topics that I get worked up about... despite the "snarky-ness" of my post, I don't actually mind you having an opinion different from mine.
