Newbie Part 3...Cycling??

[Gizela]

Another potentiallly important question!!!

With regards to cycling the tank is it better to do it chemically (i.e. with
ammonia) or with fish? I have read methods for both techniques but am unsure
which is better.

BTW....my tank is setup...with gravel, filter, water, heater, light etc.

Also should I condition the water before I cycle the tank?

TIA

Angela

[Victor Martinez]

Gizela wrote:
> With regards to cycling the tank is it better to do it chemically (i.e. with
> ammonia) or with fish? I have read methods for both techniques but am unsure
> which is better.

Hi Angela. It depends on what you define as "better". The more humane
thing is of course to use ammonia (just make sure it's pure ammonia,
without colors or smells). Fish exposed to a cycling tank often suffer
from irreversible damage to their gills. See if they sell "Biospira" in
your local fish store. It's stored in a refrigerator, don't let them
sell you something that's not. It does help increase the speed of the
cycle from 4 weeks or so to one week.

> Also should I condition the water before I cycle the tank?

Yes, if your water has chlorine or chloramines in it. If it's from a
well you're ok as is.

--
Victor Martinez
Send your spam here:
Email me here:

[Gizela]

Thanks for that....

Will the package tell me how much I need to add? If not....how much? How
often?

Thanks again

Angela

"Victor Martinez" > wrote in message
...
> Gizela wrote:
> > With regards to cycling the tank is it better to do it chemically (i.e.
with
> > ammonia) or with fish? I have read methods for both techniques but am
unsure
> > which is better.
>
> Hi Angela. It depends on what you define as "better". The more humane
> thing is of course to use ammonia (just make sure it's pure ammonia,
> without colors or smells). Fish exposed to a cycling tank often suffer
> from irreversible damage to their gills. See if they sell "Biospira" in
> your local fish store. It's stored in a refrigerator, don't let them
> sell you something that's not. It does help increase the speed of the
> cycle from 4 weeks or so to one week.
>
> > Also should I condition the water before I cycle the tank?
>
> Yes, if your water has chlorine or chloramines in it. If it's from a
> well you're ok as is.
>
> --
> Victor Martinez
> Send your spam here:
> Email me here:
>

[Victor Martinez]

Gizela wrote:
> Will the package tell me how much I need to add? If not....how much? How
> often?

Yes, the package contains instructions.

--
Victor Martinez
Send your spam here:
Email me here:

[Djay]

I've always cycled my tanks with "feeder fish" from W-mart. They are
destined to be food anyway for some other "pet". PLUS they are about a dime
each. They are indestructable and do a GREAT job in conditioning your tank.
Aftewards, I've given them to my neighbor for his pond.

DJay


"Gizela" > wrote in message
...
> Another potentiallly important question!!!
>
> With regards to cycling the tank is it better to do it chemically (i.e.
with
> ammonia) or with fish? I have read methods for both techniques but am
unsure
> which is better.
>
> BTW....my tank is setup...with gravel, filter, water, heater, light etc.
>
> Also should I condition the water before I cycle the tank?
>
> TIA
>
> Angela
>
>

[Robert Flory]

Buy a clump of cheap stem plants. They will do a lot to moderate ammonia
problems.

Bob
"Gizela" > wrote in message
...
> Another potentiallly important question!!!
>
> With regards to cycling the tank is it better to do it chemically (i.e.
with
> ammonia) or with fish? I have read methods for both techniques but am
unsure
> which is better.
>
> BTW....my tank is setup...with gravel, filter, water, heater, light etc.
>
> Also should I condition the water before I cycle the tank?
>
> TIA
>
> Angela
>
>