How long should you cycle a tank?

ILOVEBETTAS · Dec 13, 2006

I never really knew exactly how long... how long should you cycle a tank?

DaisyTattoo · Dec 13, 2006

You should cycle until your ammonia and nitrite readings are at zero after they spike.

fish_freak · Dec 13, 2006

Yep there is no set time line just check the water and when the ammonia and nitrite is zero and you have nitrate then the tank is cycled

Mgamer20o0 · Dec 14, 2006

you can use your other tank to help jump stat the cycle and that should cut the time down. mine took 4 weeks but each and everyone is different.

Waylander · Dec 14, 2006

ILOVEBETTAS said:
I never really knew exactly how long... how long should you cycle a tank?

Until it's done

. A master test kit will let you know exactly when it's ready. (i.e. Ammonia=0, Nitrite=0, Nitrate>0)

fishcatch22 · Dec 14, 2006

when your ammonia and nitrites stay 0 for 5 days, you're cycled.

Dangerdoll · Dec 14, 2006

Waylander said:
Until it's done . A master test kit will let you know exactly when it's ready. (i.e. Ammonia=0, Nitrite=0, Nitrate>0)

this isn't indicative of a cycled tank.

Squawkbert · Dec 14, 2006

Typical 1 fish cycles take 6 weeks. Look at seed gravel as insurance against it taking even longer.

DaisyTattoo · Dec 14, 2006

Dangerdoll said:
this isn't indicative of a cycled tank.

Agreed...you have to show some Nitrate or you have not cycled. This would be the reading before you added any ammonia.

amosf · Dec 14, 2006

Well... he does say nitrate>0 (nitrate greater than zero)