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Need all of your opinion on whether to fishless or fishy cycle this new tank. I have a 2 1/2g now w/one betta and two speckled corys. I tried to fish cycle that one but it is so small it is very frustrating. Also don't want to hurt the little guys.

I have heard so many different opions on other forums, please help
Thanks

For the twenty gallon, I'd use fish. That gets you the instant gratification of getting to watch something swim around the tank, and is naturally more fun.

In addition to fish, go ahead and use one of the products on the market that add beneficial bacteria. They work wonders, and make cycling much easier. Bio Spira, Cycle, and Stability (I'm pretty sure I got those right) are all good examples of these helpful products. I recommend them to anyone cycling a tank.

Welcome to the site!

Last edited by sirbooks at 31-Dec-2004 20:54

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

I've never tried fishless and truth be told I don't think I could stand looking at an empty tank for a couple weeks.


The benefit of fishless is that once it's cycled you can stock it all at once but if you have a hardy fish in mind on your stocking list I'd start with that. I'ts easier cycling a larger tank because the Ammonia and nitrites won't spike as fast because you have more volume and fewer fish.

There are also products available to help with the cycle though I've never used them. I'll leave those recomendations to someone who has tried them.

Anyhow, my vote would be to cycle with fish but it's your tank.

Have fun, Mike

greenday04

Certainly go for a fish cycle (but only a few to start of with) Certainly use one of the prepared products I use Sera Bio Starter all the time. Never a problem.

You will have to do several water tests as you go along. Also don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you like.
There will always be someone who can help. Chat can often give you that instant answer.

Keith

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Fish cycle it is. I already have the betta and two cories.
I will go to the LFS to find the cycle stuff.

I am so excited about the bigger tank I can't stand it!!
Thanks for your advise and the big welcome!! I really appreciate the fast responses!!

Happy New Year!!

Go with fishy cycle!!!!!




Peter17

20 GALLON LONG CURRENTLY EMPTY ~~~~ 10 GALLON W/ STRIPPED CONVICT

Go with a fish cycle. I use Stress Zyme at the start, it de-chlorinates the eater and seeds the tank with beneficial bacteria. Then with every water change I use Stress Coat, which also de-chlorinates water, adds bacteria and helps fish maintain their slime coat. Read the directions and use as directed

I use Stress Zyme at the start, it de-chlorinates the eater and seeds the tank with beneficial bacteria. Then with every water change I use Stress Coat, which also de-chlorinates water, adds bacteria and helps fish maintain their slime coat.

Neither of these products add beneficial bacteria to the water. They do have dechlorinators in them that remove the chlorine and chloramines, but they have no bacteria.



Last edited by acidrain at 01-Jan-2005 09:30

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