mmaris

Hi Everyone,

Just a question for you. After reading up more on the nitrogen cycle, I read that you can use liquid ammonia to start your cycle. I was wondering if following the same principles, if someone were to add nitrate and nitrite in addition to the ammonia to their tank, would the tank cycle in a much shorter time frame?

Also what concentrations would you suggest to do this?

I am a chemistry graduate student in university, so I have access to many chemicals at higher purity that common household stocks.

Just something I was thinking about.

Lucy

Hi mmaris
I'm far from a chemist but I don't think adding nitrates would help.
Cycling is a process and since nitrate is a by product of nitrites, it would do nothing to help cycle a tank.
It would be interesting to see if adding nitrites would aid in cycling.
I guess if anything it might cause more of the bacteria that processes nitrites to nitrates to grow.

It'll be interesting to see what the results of your experiement is.

Nate McFin

I agree with Lucy. Nitrates wouldnt do a thing but Nitrites just may speed things up. I wonder though if this is similar to some of the cycling products on the market right now.

aquarist48

Hello MM and Welcome to Fish Lore. I hope you keep us updated on your experiment.
Ken

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore!! GREAT advice from our members and good luck!

peacemaker92

Hey mmaris! Just wanna say Welcome To FishLore!