I need some tank cycling help!!

hey guys. i bought a 5 gallon tank, a heater, some sand and some river rock substrate for the tank. i’ve had it running for twenty four hours and it seems fine, but i’ve been reading about the nitrogen cycle, im only a teen so it’s very confusing and i have no idea what to do. is it absolutely necessary to cycle the tank. i had two fish before and they both died in 10 days unfortunately. i really need help, what do i do??

 

hey guys. i bought a 5 gallon tank, a heater, some sand and some river rock substrate for the tank. i’ve had it running for twenty four hours and it seems fine, but i’ve been reading about the nitrogen cycle, im only a teen so it’s very confusing and i have no idea what to do. is it absolutely necessary to cycle the tank. i had two fish before and they both died in 10 days unfortunately. i really need help, what do i do??

Before giving you some suggestions, does the tank have a filter? If so, what kind?

 

Before giving you some suggestions, does the tank have a filter? If so, what kind?

yes it does i’m not sure the kind so i’ll attach a photo.

 

yes it does i’m not sure the kind so i’ll attach a photo.

Can you post a picture of the top of the filter with the lid off so we can see what’s inside?

 

sure, i am thinking of using a replacement sponge but i’m not sure if i should, but here you go.

 

Well if you are going to switch media do it now before you start the cycle going. Here are some ideas for media replacement.
Diy Media Guide For Top Fin Silenstream, Aquaclear And Other Hob Filters | Aquarium Filter Forum | 385506

 

I’d suggest replacing the cartridges in your filter with a sponge and some ceramic type media (see link below) placed in a media bag.
Amazon.com

Have you thought about whether you want to do a fish-in or a fishless cycle? If you want to cycle with fish in your tank, are you able to do possibly daily water changes? And do you have a water testing kit?

 

I’d suggest replacing the cartridges in your filter with a sponge and some ceramic type media (see link below) placed in a media bag.
Amazon.com

Have you thought about whether you want to do a fish-in or a fishless cycle? If you want to cycle with fish in your tank, are you able to do possibly daily water changes? And do you have a water testing kit?

i have no idea, i can do daily water changes but they may be expensive changing 5 gallons everyday, but which do you think is better? and i don’t have a kit

Well if you are going to switch media do it now before you start the cycle going. Here are some ideas for media replacement.
Diy Media Guide For Top Fin Silenstream, Aquaclear And Other Hob Filters | Aquarium Filter Forum | 385506

thanks!!

 

Since you have no fish I would do a fishless cycle then you dont have to change as much water.

 

A test kit is a must! I’d suggest you get the API Master Test kit.

IMO, the best method for doing a fishless cycle is by using pure ammonia. Do you have an Ace Hardware close?

 

Since you have no fish I would do a fishless cycle then you dont have to change as much water.

true thanks

A test kit is a must! I’d suggest you get the API Master Test kit.

IMO, the best method for doing a fishless cycle is by using pure ammonia. Do you have an Ace Hardware close?

the closest ace hardware is an hour away so no.

 

true thanks

the closest ace hardware is an hour away so no.

If you can’t get to Ace Hardware or order from them online (see picture below), check other stores closer to you for pure ammonia. Very important that it’s pure ammonia with no surfactants or scents. If you shake the bottle and bubbles form in the ammonia, don’t use it.

If pure ammonia isn’t an option, you can use small amounts of fish flakes as an ammonia source. It’s just harder to reach a targeted ammonia level in your tank using flakes vs. pure ammonia.

 

If you can’t get to Ace Hardware or order from them online (see picture below), check other stores closer to you for pure ammonia. Very important that it’s pure ammonia with no surfactants or scents. If you shake the bottle and bubbles form in the ammonia, don’t use it.

If pure ammonia isn’t an option, you can use small amounts of fish flakes as an ammonia source. It’s just harder to reach a targeted ammonia level in your tank using flakes vs. pure ammonia.

View attachment 828791

thanks

 

thanks

Let us know what you decide and come back here with questions.

Good luck!

 

Let us know what you decide and come back here with questions.

Good luck!

sorry to bother but one more question, a had two small goldfish in a 2.5 gallon tank (before i was actually smart and researched) and i think their cycle might’ve been completed but i’m not sure, can i use that filter for beneficial bacteria, and is cycling ABSOLUTELY necessary because i’m only 13 and it seems like a lot of work but i rly dont want my future fish to die quickly. (the fish only lasted 10 days sadly)

 

sorry to bother but one more question, a had two small goldfish in a 2.5 gallon tank (before i was actually smart and researched) and i think their cycle might’ve been completed but i’m not sure, can i use that filter for beneficial bacteria, and is cycling ABSOLUTELY necessary because i’m only 13 and it seems like a lot of work but i rly dont want my future fish to die quickly. (the fish only lasted 10 days sadly)

Yes, I would definitely recommend cycling your tank. It is a lot of work, but you have many years of work ahead of you!

How long ago was your 2.5 gallon tank and filter running?

 

Yes, I would definitely recommend cycling your tank. It is a lot of work, but you have many years of work ahead of you!

How long ago was your 2.5 gallon tank and filter running?

it was running for 11-12 days only from august 2 - august 13-14 i’m not sure i wasnt home when my mother turned it off and my second goldfish passed.

 

it was running for 11-12 days only from august 2 - august 13-14 i’m not sure i wasnt home when my mother turned it off and my second goldfish passed.

Because it typically takes 4-6 weeks to fully cycle a tank, you were early in the cycling process and I assume the filter media has been dry since August?

Despite my comment and question, adding the media from your 2.5 gallon can’t hurt. I just don’t think it will do much to jump start your cycle.

 

Because it typically takes 4-6 weeks to fully cycle a tank, you were early in the cycling process and I assume the filter media has been dry since August?

Despite my comment and question, adding the media from your 2.5 gallon can’t hurt. I just don’t think it will do much to jump start your cycle.

oh okay thanks tho $