First Cycle

[tumtum]

Okay I am going to cycle my ten gallon so i can start a Sorority. I just picked up the API master freshwater test kit from petco. That should have everything I need right? I still havnt gotten ammonia but Ill probaly head to a dollar store tonight. I think what im doing is going to be a fishless cycle? I really have no idea what im doing so if anyone could give me step by step instructions on how to cycle or a link to a website with good isntructions that would really help. The heater and all the dec be in it while Im cycling? Also if I am not going to get a filter how often would I need to do water changes?
Thanks Again

[wallywestisthebest333]

Originally Posted by tumtum

Okay I am going to cycle my ten gallon so i can start a Sorority. I just picked up the API master freshwater test kit from petco. That should have everything I need right? I still havnt gotten ammonia but Ill probaly head to a dollar store tonight. I think what im doing is going to be a fishless cycle? I really have no idea what im doing so if anyone could give me step by step instructions on how to cycle or a link to a website with good isntructions that would really help. The heater and all the dec be in it while Im cycling? Also if I am not going to get a filter how often would I need to do water changes?
Thanks Again

I might be wrong but I think you only need to change the water in a fishless cycle when the ammonia gets too high for the bacteria to live. like .4/4 ppm or .35/3.5ppm. Other than that you just dose the tank and leave it. =]
I'd recommend keeping the heater in there while it cycles and turning the heater up to 83-85 so that the bacteria will be warmer and grow faster! =]

I wanted to start cycling sooner but stuff keeps getting in the way. >=/ GRR!

Also here's a good page to reference: http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

[Oldfishlady]

You need a filter or sponge filter to cycle, without a stable source of oxygenated water you will not get a true cycle. The good bacteria are aerobic and can't convert ammonia and nitrite in the absence of oxygen

[tumtum]

But isnt there oxygen in the top of the tank?

[JKfish]

it wouldn't be enough, the movement caused by the filter would oxygenate the water much better, and keep the bacteria alive.

If you are going to use pure ammonia, make sure it is good quality, with no extra additives, no scents, nothing. I'm pretty sure if it foams when you shake it, then you shouldn't use it.

[tumtum]

Okay. So just to make sure before I start saving up for one, it is impossible to cycle without a filter? And would a filter I got from my old 1 gallon work?

[dramaqueen]

That's right. You can't cycle without a filter. That's where a lot of the beneficial bacteria lives.

[tumtum]

Thanks for clearing that up. Ok so how would I know if the filter i have will work?

[FloridaBettas239]

Yeah because a lot of the bacteria live's in the filter so when the water pass threw. It killl's the ammonia so a filter is a must on a cycled tank even if you got an 8 dollar sponge filter. Something to keep water moving

[tumtum]

Well I dont know what kind of filter it is, but it moves the water would a pic help?