mibro

So I think I may cycle with fish food. I honestly think I'll be within reach more to fish food then I will be getting to the pure ammonia. Does it matter which fish food I choose to cycle with? And How much should I put in? Does it take longer then using another method, mainly the ammonia?

Also, is it worth using tetra safestart? I was considering using that aswell instead of the fish food but fishless and when I do the water changes while I cycle, do I have to use water conditioner?

I wasn't joking around with all the questions
thankyou for all the future help tho! i love this forum, very informative

eiginh

Pure Ammonia = Urine lol that's the old school way... disgusting. If you can use Tetra SafeStart go for it, it'll be the fastest way to cycle your tank. If you do use it you need to add the stock along with the TSS in order for your tank to cycle properly. Before purchasing TSS look for the expiration date and if it's close to it do not buy it. If it is also luke warm and not close to room temperature do not buy it as well b/c the bacteria might of died off.

mibro

Yes, I remember you mentioning that stuff too! So far through all the reveiws, I've read alot of mixed results But I have found that alot of people say, if its refrigerated then you'll probably get a better outcome even though I think that stuff is made so it doesnt have to be refrigerated..

aquarist48

Hello Mibro.

Congrats on doing a fish free cycle. Eiginh has you pretty well covered. If you're going to use fish food I suggest putting the food in a mesh bag (one's for filter media are great). That way it won't be such a mess in your substrate. Too, you could use a jumbo shrimp but it might take a little longer to decay compared to fish food.

If you're considering using Tetra Safe Start (TSS) fill the tank, treat it with the chemical of your choice (Prime is highly recommended) to remove the chlorine. Wait 24 hours before adding the TSS. When you add the TSS you add the fish you want right away. Don't do any tests for 7 to 10 days and "no" water changes during this time either. Get the size bottle that best suits your tank volume. Use the entire bottle.
TSS can be difficult to find locally and may have to be ordered.

Best of luck and keep us posted.
Ken

mibro

thanks for all the help! I'll try to keep things posted but still need to get a few more things (like the ever important heater) before I even cycle my tank but I'm definitely excited to get things going, feels like it takes forever and day sometimes tho.

EDIT: When lets say I do it with the fish food or the TSS, what should I keep the heater temp at for both options?

eiginh

Depends what kind of fish are you stocking. If you are stocking tropical maybe around 76-78. Research your fish and then you can find out. Higher temps will cycle your tank faster.