Should I cycle with freshly added bio-spira?

[ryknier]

I just put in my fish load, and a pack of Bio-Spira, today! How long should I wait til I do my first cycle? Just a quick question

 

[StreetCypher]

I think you're supposed to throw the fish in right away.

 

[fmcgrump]

You did right

I did a 75 6 months ago. Put in required amount of BioSpira, Stess Coat. Bought an put in fish later that day. Had no problems. Next day Ammonia and Nitrites were "0". These readings continued. Never had a Nitrate problem as I change 33% per week.

 

[Gunnie]

Yep, add the fish right away. The bio bugs are hungry and are ready to eat as soon as you add them to your tank.

 

[ryknier]

ahh crap! I put the wrong word in, I dind't mean cycle, ya I did all of that, but when should I do my first water change?

 

[Gunnie]

I have read that the bio spira takes hold in about 2 days, but I have always waited 2 week before doing my first water change. Of course, if your ammonia or nitrite were to go out of control that would be a different story, but mine never did.

 

[greenday04]

So can you use bio spira if you already have a fish in there?

 

[russjet]

i did regular water testing ad waited ten days before a water change

i added mine to a partially cycled tank and yes it can be added with fish or any new fish added later

it took me a couple of days to level out nitrites aftre they appered only 0.25 reading highest though

:soda: :soda: tonight
except mine wasnt soda

so read watyer and worry if goes over 0.5 on ammonia or nitrite

 

[ryknier]

My readings yesterday were ammonia .5 and just now .25! whoo hoo! think I should test for nitrites?

 

[Gunnie]

Yep. Check your nitrites. And your nitrates too!