AnglefishGirl

Hello I was given a 30 gallon fish tank so I went out and got a feeder goldfish to ' cycle ' the tank. While at the pet store I grabbed a bottle of Nutrafin Cycle. I read that it won't ' cycle ' the tank right away like the bottle says. But if I keep using it with every water change and fish addition in the future will it work? I live in the country so don't have access to stores all the time and Cycle is all I have right now ( i've already put it in the tank with the fish ) have I already screwed up or can I keep going as is? Please help

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore!!
I would return the product cycle as its a product that needs to be added for the life of the tank .it eats up the good bacteria needed... and the goldies should be returned also..... read this link Four Methods of Fish Less Cycling as it will help you cycle without fish and they wont get harmed in the process....when you cycle with fish, it can be very deadly.....good luck!

ryanr

Cycle is based on terrestial (land based) bacteria. It is a 'false' cycle, as it does not allow the true aquatic bacteria to grow in your bio-filter.

I would (IMO) toss the bottle of Cycle in the bin. And since you are cycling with fish, I would be getting a bottle of Tetra Safe Start as it is true aquatic bacteria, and will cycle your tank properly.

I recommend getting a liquid test kit (such as the API Master Kit) and keep an eye your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels. Read up on the nitrogen cycle (http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm)

You will need to keep up daily water changes (20% minimum) while the tank cycles. This process can take 4-6wks, and even longer, during which time your pH is also likely to swing until the cycle completes.

I would also highly recommend getting a bottle of Seachem Prime to condition your water and use it with every water change. Prime will de-toxify ammonia for 24hrs at a time.

HTH.

AnglefishGirl

So if I just use Prime when I change the water, that and the goldfish will cycle the tank ?

Lucy

Prime won't help cycle the tank.
It's a water conditioner that detoxifies the ammonia for 24 hours.
It makes the water safer for your fish.

Prince Powder

Yes, having your goldfish will cycle the tank. The Prime will keep your goldfish alive and safe during the process. Cycling with fish takes about a month or so to complete, but if you are vigilant in your daily water changes and use the Prime with each change, you and your fish will make it through. If you want to use a bacterial additive, the only one that actually works is Tetra SafeStart. If you can find a bottle of TSS, your cycle will go much faster. If not, daily water changes with Prime will get the job done. I would definitely recommend getting a liquid test kit of your own. When you are cycling with fish you need to keep a close eye on your parameters to make sure the levels don't get too out of control.

AnglefishGirl

Alrighty thanks. Next time I head into town I'll pick up some Prime and look around for TSS. After I get all this going is a weekly water test alright? Or does it have to be checked more often, I only ask because after looking online some water testing kits look quite pricey, especially when buying seperately.

ryanr

While the tank is cycling, I would test everyday, and change 20-30% water everyday.

Once cycled, I test mine weekly. The API test kits will do hundreds of tests, so in the long run, it's not too expensive.

mosin360

If you do find some TSS, do not do water changes until the cycle is complete. Generally takes 7-10 days.