What does cycle mean?

[PBJ]

I have seen it all over the website. But have not found a true explanation of what it means maybe I am not reading into it enough.


But if someone could explain it that would be great.

Thank you
Kat

[dramaqueen]

Here is a sticky that explains what it is and how to do it. http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/f...m-cycle-38617/

[McAttack]

cycling refers to a process that happens naturally. The fish waste creates ammonium. Think of it like urine. If you lived in urine, you wouldn't be too healthy, so bacteria develops in the tank to feeds on that, but creates another byproduct waste called Nitrites. This is also harmful for the fish so once that starts to appear in the tank, a new form of bacteria takes care of that and converts it into Nitrates. This is the least harmful for the fish. Still not good, but not bad. Nitrates can be either removed with partial water changes, and also absorbed by plants.

Here's a fairly easy explanation of it.
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

[PBJ]

So pretty much I have to change the water once a week in my five gallon?

Man I have owned fish for over 15 years and never heard of this before now I am only 21 so most of this time was child hood.

I wonder what my poor guppis are living in. Where can I get the water test kit.

[McAttack]

Any decent pet store with a decent fish section should have test kits. Think of it as if you were creating a city for people. Would you want a super polluted place or would you want something that balances itself out and stays relatively clean. heheh

[soleilvie]

Originally Posted by PBJ

So pretty much I have to change the water once a week in my five gallon?

Man I have owned fish for over 15 years and never heard of this before now I am only 21 so most of this time was child hood.

I wonder what my poor guppis are living in. Where can I get the water test kit.

Right, once your tank has cycled, then you should only need to do one water change per week of about 25% on a 5 gallon.

The API Freshwater Master Test Kit is about $30 at Petco, Petsmart, etc. However, if you buy it online at Walmart, it is only $17.64 plus $.97 shipping: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Freshwater...c-Pets/3635493