Cycling without damsels OR live rock?

"SG" wrote in message
...
In article , Tom E. wrote:

Where did the bacteria come from???

It is in the air.

And why is ammonia added in the process?

The "Cycle" is the process where bacteria convert ammonia to nitrite,
and then to nitrate. Tanks with a plenum or deep sand bed go furthure
and convert nitrate to nitrogen gas. The bacteria need a source of
ammonia to eat. Pure ammonia, decaying shrimp, live rock die off, or a
live fish are all sources of ammonia.

Fishless cycling is the smart way to cycle a tank.

Thanks. Lets say I have a 20 gallon tank with salt water and
crushed coral on the bed. Do I use a filter during the cycling
process, or just let it mellow?
Tom

In article , Tom E. wrote:

Thanks. Lets say I have a 20 gallon tank with salt water and
crushed coral on the bed. Do I use a filter during the cycling
process, or just let it mellow?

Your entire tank should be running while cycling. The bacteria live in
whatever filter you are going to use. Most filters are a place for
bacteria to live, not a thing to remove junk from the water. With that
in mind filter media should be cleaned gently and only when needed.