Cycled Vs Established?

Hey there. I was pondering as I go through the bumps of cycling my new tank (have seeded media, but doesn't seem to be working, sigh)....

Anyway you read about some fish that they should be added only to established or mature tanks. To me that sounds like a tank that's been going for some time, not a newly cycled tank.

What is your opinion on the point at which a cycled tank can be considered "established" or "mature"?

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

In my opinion, a cycled aquarium is one that process through the nitrogen cycle within 24 hours, comverting ammonia to nitrites, and then from nitrites to nitrates. An established or mature aquarium is a cycled aquarium that has been cycled long enough to have developed its own healthy ecosystem with biofilm and the ability to grow algae (growing green algae is actually a sign of a healthy tank).

 

I usually go by a tank being 'established' after having been up, cycled and running for at least six months. This gives the various microorganisms time to really establish healthy populations.

 

agree with those above.

 

Thanks all, that's along the lines of what I had been thinking it must mean. Some fish sure do require patience.