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How do you cycle a tank with no fish in it?

[link=http://www.tropicalfishcentre.co.uk/Fishlesscycle.htm]http://www.tropicalfishcentre.co.uk/Fishlesscycle.htm" style="COLOR: #9900FF[/link]

Other than that, I've never done fishless cycling, so you'll have to wait until the experts come in. Just thought I'd give you some reading material I found.

Good luck and welcome to FishProfiles!

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

Two links to articles I like:

http://hjem.get2net.dk/Best_of_the_Web/fishless%20cycling.html

This guy is obviously very experienced, and has talked to tons of people who have tried his way of doing it. He's very clear on specifics, and has a PhD in Chemistry ... what more could you want?

Here's another friendly article that says basically the same thing - but is more organized perhaps...

http://www.aquamaniacs.net/forum/cms_view_article.php?aid=31

I found clear ammonia as a supermarket brand, and was advised to also be sure the tank has lots of oxygen (add an air pump) as well as checking the temperature and etc etc...

The most knowledgable fish guy that I've met in person recommended Nitromax to me - it has an expiration date and need to be put in the fridge, but theoretically has them good bacteria that can help get your tank going quickly. I tried some other bio-starters that didn't seem to help, but have only just started with Nitromax and I think it is helping already! But basically I am just passing on the recommendation he gave, since he clearly knew more than anyone else in a very very professional and knowlegable fish store.

Good luck with it!

Melissa

like kitten and melflisha i much prefer the fishless cycle method.. i used this article to successfully complete mine in 2 weeks..
[link=http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_fishless.php]http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_fishless.php" style="COLOR: #D5A012[/link]

also if you have an established tank and your uncycled tank has a filter with a foam insert.. u can always boost up the cycle by seeding the foam in the established tank for a week or so.

r0b3y