Cycling Your New Aquarium

Cycling is the process of establishing bacterial populations. Two common methods:

Fishless Cycling

• Add pure ammonia or a pinch of fish food daily.

• Test ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels every 2–3 days.

• When ammonia and nitrite drop to zero and nitrate rises, the tank is cycled (typically 4–6 weeks).

Slow Fish Introduction

• Add hardy fish initially.

• Feed sparingly to minimize waste.

• Monitor water parameters closely.

• Gradually increase stocking over 4–6 weeks as bacteria establish.

Tips for Faster Cycling

• Use commercial bacterial starters containing Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira.

• Transfer filter media, water or substrate from an established tank.

• Maintain a steady temperature (23–28 °C) to accelerate bacterial reproduction. (For Tropical Aquariums)