55 Gallon Tank Fishless Cycle

Hey guys,

it's been a few years since I have kept fish, but I am planning on doing this right this time (feel free to look at some of my ancient posts, about the fish cycle problems I had). I am looking to do a fishless cycle, once my tank completes the stress test at the middle to end of this week. (Currently, it is full of water sitting on the back porch to test for leaks). I have well water, not city so I do not have the chlorine and garbage like that so I am wondering do I need to treat my water prior to adding it back into my tank? Another question, do I need to purchase a product to start my fishless cycle? I have never done it fishless before, I have always used fish to start the cycle, but I want to do this right. And finally, How long does it usually take on average to run a fishless cycle, I was thinking about starting it pretty soon, but holding off on adding fish because we will be going to FL for about 10 days in August.

I know I just kept throwing the questions out, but I really can't remember a lot of this stuff.

cheers.

 

do I need to treat my water prior to adding it back into my tank?

• People would suggest adding declorinator before some will suggest during, I add mine to the bucket I'm heating.

do I need to purchase a product to start my fishless cycle?

• I used Dr Tim's Ammonia for mine. Also a API Masterkit will come in handy

How long does it usually take on average to run a fishless cycle,

• Mine took less then 3 weeks I believe, I had huge help here.

Also to add. I'm no expert unfortunately. Many people here have a lot more experience then I have.

 

• Since you have well water you shouldn't need to add any water treatment. I don't.
• If you're going to be gone for 10 days in August you might want to wait until you get home with starting cycling your tank. I'm afraid if you do get it cycled before then your bacteria colony will start to die out if you aren't there for 10 days to add ammonia. Another option would be to go ahead and start now, and add a few fish when the tank is cycled. If you do that you should probably get a neighbor or friend to feed the fish once or twice while you're gone.

 

• Since you have well water you shouldn't need to add any water treatment. I don't.
• If you're going to be gone for 10 days in August you might want to wait until you get home with starting cycling your tank. I'm afraid if you do get it cycled before then your bacteria colony will start to die out if you aren't there for 10 days to add ammonia. Another option would be to go ahead and start now and add a few fish when the tank is cycled. If you do that you should probably get a neighbor or friend to feed the fish once or twice while you're gone.

I'll probably just wait until we get back then. I was thinking that the cycle took longer. The LFS that I am planning to get my fish from is about 45 minutes away and I didn't want to be transporting tropical fish in the winter, to me that's just asking for trouble.

 

Welcome back to the hobby

You should be able to complete this cycle in somewhere around 6 weeks. Probably less than that but 6 weeks is reasonable. If you aren't leaving for your vacation until August that gives you time to get this tank cycled and ready for stocking when you get back home. Once cycled this is the one and only time I recommend putting a vacation feeding block in the tank. It should keep your bacteria fed until you get back.

The first thing you have to have is an ammonia source. In the past the fish you added were your ammonia source. Since this time it is fishless you have to add the ammonia. Lots of folks use Dr.Tim's Ammonium Chloride. Others buy ammonia at their local Ace hardware store. In that case just make sure there is nothing in the bottle but ammonia and water. If you shake it, it foams and the foam doesn't immediately go away DON'T get it.

A syringe will make adding ammonia fairly easy once you determine how much you will need to be adding along the way. Dr Tim's comes in a dropper bottle but once you know how may drops it will take and how many mls those drops are it will be easier to use the syringe than counting drops in this size tank.

I also recommend you get a container of flake fish food. We won't be depending on the fish food as our ammonia source but it is going to add the extra food the bacteria needs. This thread will explain why I am recommending you get the fish food. PSA: Something I am seeing more and more often, fishless cycling.... | Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle Forum | 477380

Your can cycle a tank without adding bottled bacteria but if it is used correctly it will speed up the cycling process. Should you choose to add BB I recommend you get either Tetra Safe Start Plus or fritz-zyme turbo start 700. You may be able to get the tank cycled much quicker than 6 weeks by using either of these two products.