Question about Fishless Cycling

[mishi8]

everywhere i have read about fishless cycling says to do water changes every few days to keep the nitrites and nitrates in check and prevent a stalled cycle.

Chris Cow's fishless cycling article makes no mention of frequent water changes, nor has any other fishless cycling article that I've referred to. Are you sure you aren't thinking about frequent PWC during fishy cycling?

 

[Rbishop]

His article has many, repeat, mant fine points. However, it is not the only way things will happen and not necessarily correct, depending on what other points of view you have.

There is supportive evidence for stalled cycles and the minizimation of them with water changes, let alone the subjective point of view, that the water changes help to induce an incremental (my latest favorite word) gowth.

Why does it seem everybody is in a rush? Not from the total time it may take to get the filter established, but I want it now for a full bio-load? Let it level itsself out under circumstances we will subject it to...frequent water changes without extremes

 

[mishi8]

His article has many, repeat, mant fine points. However, it is not the only way things will happen and not necessarily correct, depending on what other points of view you have.

There is supportive evidence for stalled cycles and the minizimation of them with water changes, let alone the subjective point of view, that the water changes help to induce an incremental (my latest favorite word) gowth.

The linked article does talk about water changes for stalled cycles. I've done them myself during a stalled cycle, and have recommended it to others who find them in the same situation. The water changes help to "reset" the water parameters--reducing ammonia, nitrite and nitrate when they get too high, and raising the KH. Still, water changes throughout the cycling process are not necessary, and, beyond the final water change before adding fish, only required if a stall occurs.

Why does it seem everybody is in a rush? Not from the total time it may take to get the filter established, but I want it now for a full bio-load? Let it level itsself out under circumstances we will subject it to...frequent water changes without extremes

Why does introducing a full bioload mean being in a rush to you? There are advantages to introducing all fish at once such as reducing the risk of introducing disease with each new addition of fish, and fish getting a chance to establish territory which doesn't get interrupted with future additions.

 

[Rbishop]

The linked article does talk about water changes for stalled cycles. I've done them myself during a stalled cycle, and have recommended it to others who find them in the same situation. The water changes help to "reset" the water parameters--reducing ammonia, nitrite and nitrate when they get too high, and raising the KH. Still, water changes throughout the cycling process are not necessary, and, beyond the final water change before adding fish, only required if a stall occurs.



Why does introducing a full bioload mean being in a rush to you? There are advantages to introducing all fish at once such as reducing the risk of introducing disease with each new addition of fish, and fish getting a chance to establish territory which doesn't get interrupted with future additions.

I have in my posts acknowledged the territorial need for all at once loading. Not sure how dominant that is except for the kid that can't wait, the parent that can't say no, and the experienced individual that is aware of what they are doing.

Guess buying from reliable sources and using the qt tanks eliminate me from commenting on your disease issue.

By the article you referenced and by your own admission they can be necessary. I am of the opinion they should be used throughout the cycling. If you do not want to. then don't. Then again, if not needed as you originally stated, why float to a position of sometimes they are?

What works for some does not work for all. Make your recommendations and leave it at that. Just because someone does/does not agree with your interpetation of one person's article doesn't mean they don't have an effective alternative point of view.

Have a good week, nice and sunny in NC!