Cycling with bacteria balls, filter or off?

[Fishlover001]

I have a question about the Nitrogen cycle
Should you leave the filter on it is a new tank and i need to know as soon as possible. I got this bacteria balls and i am going to put one in but should you leave the filter on?

please respond asap

 

[NotSoAggressiveAquatics]

Yes the filter needs to be on during the cycling process because that’s how the beneficial bacteria builds up. And I would recommend tetra safe start because I’ve used those balls and they are nitrifying bacteria so it doesn’t help much In the beginning. And they don’t really dissolve they just disappear in the water and then when cleaning the tank you will find it just sitting in the corner

 

[Fishlover001]

Ok thank i did turn it of last night is that ok?
I just turned it on all of the aur bubbles are going to the top thanks
Any more tips? I just started the nitrogen cycle last night

Ok thank i did turn it of last night is that ok?
I just turned it on all of the aur bubbles are going to the top thanks
Any more tips? I just started the nitrogen cycle last night

the pic has the water conditioner and i have tetra aqua safe plus

 

[ALonelyBetta]

Are there any fish inside? (I don’t see any in the photo but just want to make sure)

 

[Fishlover001]

Are there any fish inside? (I don’t see any in the photo but just want to make sure)

There is NO fish
But there is air bubbles everywhere is that a problem

 

[Dechi]

You should never turn off your filter for long periods of time. Even if there are no fish, bacterias living in your tank need water movement and oxygen to survive.

Since you’re trying to grow these bacterias, it’s important to give it the best chance possible to grow.

 

[Fishlover001]

Ok I will leave it on now is it OK that I did not have it on last night?

 

[Dechi]

Ok I will leave it on now is it OK that I did not have it on last night?

It’s not ideal but since you’re just in the beginning of the cycle, it probably won’t change anything.

 

[mattgirl]

To cycle a tank (meaning you are growing bacteria) you need an ammonia source. The cycle will not start without one. What are you using for your ammonia source?

 

[Fishlover001]

Like what right know i have bacteria balls the people at petco said that’s all you need

 

[mattgirl]

Like what right know i have bacteria balls the people at petco said that’s all you need

I hate to have to tell you this but they don't know what they are talking about. You have to have an ammonia source to feed the bacteria on/in the bacteria balls. It will actually surprise me to find that those balls will do anything at all to help cycle this tank.

Your ammonia source can be fish for a fish in cycle or To do a fishless cycle you can use fish food, raw shrimp or pure bottled ammonia. The fish food or shrimp has to decompose to form ammonia.

 

[Fishlover001]

what should you put in then but some stuff

 

[mattgirl]

what should you put in then but some stuff

I guess I don't understand this question. I think I already answered it but I'm not sure what you are asking.

 

[DoubleDutch]

Cycling a tank mainly means cycling a filter.
So as said that's the part that should be on all the time.