FishProfiles.com Message Forums

What's a good cichlid species to use for cycling a 20 gallon tank? Although I've found a few that are good for starting with, I can't tell which are hardy enough for cycling use.

Cichlids are not really a good cycling fish.

Have you thought about trying a fishless cycle? That way you are not stuck with having to keep a fish you don't want, or finding a place to give it away to when your done cycling, AND you don't have to worry about fish death while you are cycling your tank.

http://www.tropicalfishcentre.co.uk/Fishlesscycle.htm

http://www.algone.com/fishless_cycling.htm

i wouldnt cycle with cichlids

maybe tiger barbs or tetras but not cichlids

i would also try the fishless cycle that was just mentioned

The only cichlid that comes to mind is the convict cichlid. I've never cycled or kept these guys so I may be wrong but I get the impression they are pretty tough.
A lot of people that choose to cycle with fish use danios. Have a chat to your lfs, you may be able to come to an arrangement with them that you can return them when you are done cycling then stock the tank as you want to.

HTH

Lindy

---

Before you criticize someone walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

Hold on, stop the boat
I've just spent 3 weeks cycling a new 100 liter ( 27 USG ) tank. Did it without fish by adding the amonia and checking the PH & nitrates as discussed on this, and other, sites.
I wanted to put in fish from the word go, bugger the waiting bit, but in the long run I came to the conclusion that if you want to have a happy and HEALTHY tank you have to do it the right way from the start.
My opinion.....

I actually did use giant danios to cycle my cichlid tank. I used about 6 in a 55 gallon tank leaving them in there for well over 2 months and I never had any problems with the tank are any fish dieing after I add the cichlids.
Oh and by the way I did remove the danios and put them back in our community tank before I added the cichlids.

Last edited by Cichlid Keeper at 08-Dec-2004 21:03

Phillip, you are right, it is better to fishless cycle than use fish but not everyone has access to ammonia to use that method. Personally I can not get ammonia here, I have searched everywhere for it.

There is nothing wrong with cycling with fish provided you lightly stock the tank, monitor the ammonia etc and slowly add new fish. I was not suggesting to stock the tank full with fish straight off.

Since I have been educated about the nitrogen cycle I have never had problems or even had ammonia or nitrite register on a testkit when starting a new tank.

Personal choice though...

---

Before you criticize someone walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes.