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Should I remove the carbon insert in my filter (a Whisper 20 HOB on a 20 gal tank) before adding BioSpira to cycle a new tank? The instructions on the package don't specify to do this, but when I googled on the topic, I found a (non-Marineland) website that included this in their instructions.

Also, should I be waiting until I get readings on my ammonia test before adding the product? My LFS said to wait 24 hours after adding the fish to let the ammonia build up a little to feed the bacteria, but it's been almost 24 hours and I'm still getting zero readings on the test. I was told to add half the package up front, then add the other half in a couple days.

Kathy

Since Bio Spira is live bacteria, carbon will not harm the product...

Bio Spira bacteria (nitrifying) requires ammonia as a food source. Usually the plan is to add a few fish to a new tank, in your case perhaps four small or medium size, dose the Bio Spira as directed on the product and add the rest of the trops a few days later.

As long as the live bacteria have a constant food source provided by the trops as ammonia, your tank will cycle quicker.

Always purchase a test kit and learn how to test for important water parameters. A well balanced tank will always produce a zero ammonia reading.

--garyroland.

Last edited by garyroland at 10-Jan-2005 12:57