Cycling first time help

[Betta311]

So I read the cycle thread,i used to just let my tanks run for a while before adding fish.I think I want to use the shrimp method,i have a water test for ammonia and im going to get shrimp later,about how long does it take?do I ever water change?the cycling instructions were vague.
Thanks

[Oldfishlady]

What size tank, type of filter and substrate, finale stocking plan and live plants....to do a fishless cycle-you really need-ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH liquid reagent testing products on hand....

[Betta311]

10 gal, sand bottom,live plants like anarch,some italian val.acuflow filter with just q sponge filter for now until I get the bio pack,final plan,either a sorority,or a male with some cory cats and maybe shrimp.

[Oldfishlady]

With lots of plants you can do a silent cycle with the fish......as long as the plants are actively growing and you have the right type of lights-water changes on that stocking would need to be 50% weekly and a second 50% water only with ammonia, nitrite 0.25ppm or greater until the nitrogen cycle establishes and that could take 4-8 weeks...also, with live plants sometimes you won't see nitrate for a long time if ever-since they will use ammonia before conversion....the cycle is still happening...you just can't count on nitrate reading to tell you when the cycle has completed like you can without plants...

What kind of lights, age of bulb, kelvin, watts and photoperiod....

[Betta311]

Bulbs are 2 100watt equivalent actual 27watt CFL in 6100k brand new bulbs

[Betta311]

Thanks for the input,anyone else?lol :p