Fishtank cycle

Can anyone tell me the best, fastest, and a easy way to cycle my 10 gallon fish. I just got it.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Philip on March 15, 2012 at 1:42pm

Oh and if anyone can me advice on what I need and can you tell me the best stuff to get. I don't have a lot of money so if you can let me know what the best and cheapest stuff I can get. thanks

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Permalink Reply by 2apes2gp667wr on March 15, 2012 at 3:43pm

Use media and water from an already established tank. Instant cycle.

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Permalink Reply by Philip on March 15, 2012 at 5:49pm

I don't have an old media and an established tank. I'm new to big fish tanks, I have to bettas, but now I want to go for something more challenging.

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Permalink Reply by Roger on March 15, 2012 at 6:00pm

Fastest old filter media or gravel combo with starter fish. Fish less cycles are not for beginners IMO

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Permalink Reply by aceliven on March 15, 2012 at 6:11pm

I agree with the others. There is nothing quite like the 'instant' cycle by adding mature filter media/gravel to a new tank. It totally eliminates weeks of stress and constant monitoring. Perhaps you could get some used filter material from your LFS (assuming that they're reputable and keep their tanks disease-free) or a friend. Either way, if you you go this route, be sure to keep the media moist and get it into your tank (adding fish at the same time) as quickly as possible so that the bacteria colony doesn't die off.

If you must start from scratch, and many I'm sure will disagree with this, filter with a couple of zebra danios. I've never lost a single fish during a cycle when using a small danio load, nor have I ever seen any signs of stress from these particular fish.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Philip on March 15, 2012 at 6:29pm

That was my plan to use the zebra danios, but I thought I would just check with other guys to see what is the best way. I also don't think anybody I know has a fish tank, but one and he has a saltwater fish tank. I don't think that will work. Thanks for your help everyone. If anyone else knows what a cheap and easy way to cycle please let me know.

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Permalink Reply by Philip on March 15, 2012 at 7:53pm

Could I use gravel from a saltwater tank?

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Permalink Reply by Ethan on March 16, 2012 at 1:37pm

Yeah, pretty much use old media and Seachem Stability.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on March 17, 2012 at 4:44am

You definitely want to add some plants and, like the others said, maybe some cheap fish.

For light you can get a florescent lamp at Home Depot and throw it on top. That'll cost about $30 with the bulbs. A contractors strip with 4 spots will run you about $60. You could also clip on some incandescents or use an old desk lamp. Light is light. Oh, I almost forget... sunlight is free and superior to anything you can buy.

I wouldn't buy a heater unless it gets really cold in your fish room or there are wide temperature swings within a 48 hour period.

A lot of people may disagree with this but If you're not gonna have a lot of fish you won't need a filter either.

I feed my fish for free (almost) by raising my own live food. But if this isn't practical you can at least feed them mosquito larvae and earthworms during the summer.

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Permalink Reply by Philip on March 17, 2012 at 9:07am

I got a light, but I still need light bulbs. I also got a heater because my room can get COLD!!!!!!!!!

What kind of plants should I get? I have a Java Fern in my one gallon betta tank so I might pull that apart, but I would like some more.

I won't be able to get earthworms or insects my mom wouldn't like that lol. She hates worms. So I just buy food. Well thanks for the help. I'll be getting my stuff in 2 to 3 weeks.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on March 18, 2012 at 1:53am

The plants are up to you, but I recommend the easy growers like elodea/anacharis, hornwart, water cabbage, and water wisteria. All of these species are beautiful and good at sucking up the poisons that accumulate in an aquarium.

You'll definitely have to do periodic water changes no matter how many plants you get. Both your plants and fish will appreciate it.