kingbabar

Later this week I'm picking up a 15G starter kit, and I'm trying to decide on the best way to cycle it. I think I'd like to get some filter media from my LFS. I trust that this is one of the more efficient methods, but my question is this: is it safe as far as disease is concerned? The LFS in town is one of the better ones I've seen, and from what I can tell, they keep their tanks pretty sharp. Does anyone have an experience with this?

Also, is it better to add the filter media and then wait before adding fish or to add both at the same time? I'm sure it would be easier to leave my LFS with filter media if I also left with some purchased fish. Btw - I'm adding a school of cherry barbs to this tank (only 2-3 at a time, probably no more than 7 total).

Thanks!

jdhef

I personally prefer cycling with Tetra SafeStart.

I guess there is always a small risk of disease using seeded media from the LFS, but probably not too great a risk. If you get enough media, you could add a couple of Cherry Barbs right away (assuming your water has been dechlorinated and at the proper temperature). But if you do, keep an eye on your ammonia & nitrite readings. If they start to rise, you will need to do daily 50% water changes until they zero out.

I would also wait at least two weeks before adding any additional barbs, so as not to overload the bacteria.

Good luck!

Lucy

Hi, If I haven't said it before, welcome to FishLore.
IMO using seeded filter media is one of the best ways to quickly cycle a tank.
Personally, I wouldn't use filter media from a fish store. Of course, I don't know anything about the store you use and it may very well be a healthy choice for you.
Do they quarantine new fish as they get them in or add them right to the tanks?
Something to think about.

With that said, should you decide to go that route, you can add a couple of fish at the same time and keep a very close eye on your parameters for a few weeks.
Do water changes if you start to have ammonia readings.
Or, you can seed your tank with the used filter media and feed it some source of ammonia until you're sure you have enough bacteria to maintain the tank.
I've done both with varying results.

Good luck and have fun with your new tank.

jdhef

jnb1984

I'm pretty new to this myself. But from what I've gathered. You're better to get some filter media before you add any fish. When you put the media in, throw a little bit of fish food in the tank, but not too much. As the food ages and breaks down, the bacteria in the filter will start to work on it keeping the cycle going. From what I understand, if you don't have anything in your tank to produce amonia, the bacteria in the filter will have nothing to feed on and then die, bringing your cycle back to square 1. By using food that will rot and produce this amonia, you won't be harming any fish. Unfortinately, I didn't know this at the time and used fish. Lost most of them too. Only my beta survived it all. Now don't quote me on this adice, like I said, I'm still new too. I hope others can add to this and lead you in the right direction.

jnb1984

never mind my post. i started it before anyone replied...lol

Lucy

Sometimes several of us type at once. lol

kingbabar

Thank you for the speedy replies! I've been raiding every LPS I can find for TSS but to no avail. I have access to SeaChem Stability (I may even have half a bottle somewhere), but I've heard many mixed reviews on it.

I was hoping that getting the filter media (or even gravel) from the same tank as my fish might somehow help cut back on risk factors. I'm not sure how this makes any sense though.