Fishless cycle question.

[sdb]

Quick questions...
Can I start my fishless cycle with only substrate in the tank, adding plants (fake) and ornaments as I go along? It would spread out the cost, and I could start the cycle now as compared to after I get all the plants, etc, which I can't do all at once.
I've got my heater, as well as my filter, so I'm pretty much ready, except for the plants.

If the answer is yes, I can start cycling, my other question is-- does anyone have a basic guideline to use as to how much ammonia is added per gallon to initially get it up to 5ppm? Just an estimate. I'll be testing, of course, but I have no idea whether to start by adding 1 tsp, 1tbsp, 5 drops, or what. It would just save on testing 10 or 20 times initially to get the right dosage.

Thanks for your time.

 

[Matt W]

Sure..you can start cycling right away.

It has been awhile since I did a cycle, so I can't remember how much ammonia I needed to add. Sorry.

 

[Dangerdoll]

I started at two capfuls of ammonia and it worked out pretty good for me....went right up to 5.

 

[sdb]

Thanks Matt and Dangerdoll!
It gives me somewhere to start and I can go from there. It's a 33gal, and I just didn't have a clue how much ammonia to add for starters.

 

[TheBlackPhantom]

Perfect advice!

Make sure to show us a picture with your finished product when your done!

 

[bobbi619]

Yep, I used 2 capfulls also, brought it right to 4-5ppm, 2 weeks later, I started to see Nitrites, and now a couple days later Nitrates are at about 5. I plan to put fish in by the end of the week.

Good luck!

 

[sdb]

Thanks everyone!
I got the gravel I needed and filled the tank. Then disaster struck, as those of you who read my other post know. The filter (used, not new) has a crack. So, until I can get some silicone to fix it, I'm at a standstill. I did hook up my little AC Mini to keep the water circulating so it won't go stagnant. I really don't want to have to empty that tank, then refill it.

I'll go after work tomorrow, pick up silicone, fix the crack, then by the next day hopefully I can start again. I didn't add any ammonia or anything, just the water right now. What a PITA!

 

[Plan-B]

With the ac mini running it should be ok to start adding ammonia. This will at least start bacteria cultures in your substrate. Just add the other filter asap and remember it will still take some time after its added. Depending on the consentration of ammonia used I would go with about 5ml / 1 tsp per 10 gal.