Suggestions on how to cycle

[gabrie30]

I have a cycled tank, and want to cycle another tank. What is the best way to do a fish less cycle with these components.

Im worried that if I run the new tanks filter in the established tanks water, have it accumulate bacteria, then transfer it to the un-cycled tank without anything in it the bacteria will die off, as there is nothing to feed off of.

I do not want to go buy ammonia either.

 

[jm1212]

just move over some media or squeeze some media in the new tank's water.

you can add some fish food to the water. it will create plenty of ammoina.

 

[gabrie30]

Ok i will swish around my established media in the tank, and add some tank water.

Should I keep the new filter going in the established tank?

 

[tonytheboss1]

Run the new filter along w/ the old filter on the established tank for a few weeks. Then transfer the new filter to the new tank w/ a few fish (not too many) Wait a week or two & check your parameters before slowly adding more. "T"

 

[irishspy]

You can also buy a shrimp at the local market, put it in a small filter bag, toss it in the tank and let it rot. That will generate ammonia to feed the filter bacteria.

Just be aware it can get a little stinky....:thud:

 

[yourchoice]

When you move the filter over add some fish.The slime ,fish waste and food will keep the bacteria in motion.

 

[injunear]

What's the inhibition to buying ammonia? It's by far the easiest way to introduce a known amount of ammonia to the tank for fishless cycling.

I'm in the middle of doing a cycle and used Ace Hardware "industrial strength" ammonia which is clear ammonia (10%) in distilled water.

Just add a few drops to your tank and raise the level to 5ppm using a test kit.