ballison

I am trying to cycle a new 46gal tank. I am using a Fluval 305 containing carbon, ammochips, clearmax, biomax and polishing pads (in that order from the bottom up) AND I have a Penguin HOB running with two pads installed. The penguin is all I had when I first started the tank up. I am planning to leave it in place until the tank has cycled just in case the biowheel had been growing bacteria before I installed the Fluval this week.

I have six zebra danios in the tank. Since installing the Fluval, my ammonia and other levels have been good, no doubt due to the aggressive filtration. Water is crystal clear and the fish seem very happy and healthy. My questions are: 1. With the ammochips absorbing/catalyzing the ammonia will the tank ever cycle? My understanding is that what these products do is change the ammonia into a different (non-toxic) form that will still feed the bacteria. Is this accurate? 2. Is this method still cruel to the fish? Thanks!

Shawnie

If the ammonia is still available for the cycle, you should be good..I dont know if you have so much in there that the ammonia could be removed to an extent...carbon alone reduces the ammonia...so IMO , you should continue with daily water changes and some prime or stress coat+ to keep the ammonia detoxed, and get rid of the carbon, ammochips(not familiar with them and if they do keep the ammonia still available, they may be ok) and the polishing pads...not sure what clearmax or biomax pads are but the other ones will inhibit your process and probably take forever ...goodluck!