You need to add something in the tank, so that you can boost the establishment of beneficial colonies of bacteria that work in the tank to decompose ammonia and nitrites. These bacteria need ammonia and nitrite in order to nourish themselves and to form colonies in the tank. When they establish in the tank, the cycling is completed.
Now, how can you add ammonia safely to start this cycle? Old fashion way was to add some cheap fishes in a new tank for a few days, until ammonia and nitrites readings are at zero. At this time the tank is fully cycled and safe to remove the cheap fishes and to add immediately the fishes you really want. New fashion ways don't use fishes to cycle but something not living instead. For example, if you add small amounts of fish food daily to a new tank, ammonia will be produced to start the cycle. At the end of the cycle (ammonia and nitrites readings at 0), you may do a partial water change; re check both readings and add the fishes if everything is OK.
If you don't add anything to start the cycle, the tank will never be ready to add fishes. You need ammonia and nitrites liquid kits to measure both parameters during the cycle. Good luck!
Now, how can you add ammonia safely to start this cycle? Old fashion way was to add some cheap fishes in a new tank for a few days, until ammonia and nitrites readings are at zero. At this time the tank is fully cycled and safe to remove the cheap fishes and to add immediately the fishes you really want. New fashion ways don't use fishes to cycle but something not living instead. For example, if you add small amounts of fish food daily to a new tank, ammonia will be produced to start the cycle. At the end of the cycle (ammonia and nitrites readings at 0), you may do a partial water change; re check both readings and add the fishes if everything is OK.
If you don't add anything to start the cycle, the tank will never be ready to add fishes. You need ammonia and nitrites liquid kits to measure both parameters during the cycle. Good luck!
