How long for fishless cycling using fish flakes

[kk_fish]

How long does it take to cycle a tank using fish flakes and how often should i feed the empty tank so that it starts the process.

Do I need to do a 10%-15% water change weekly when I use to cycle the tank using flakes.

Please advise.

[Lady Hobbs]

You need to do no water changes when fishless cycling. Only purpose in changing the water is to keep the fish alive. I would think cycling with food would sure make a mess of your tank, tho, and take quite a long time.

[Fishalicious]

I cycled my first tank with a small portion of fish flakes and it took 2 and a half weeks before I could add my first fish without any water changes...

Don't add a lot of flakes just a small portion

[Fishguy2727]

Can you use ammonia? It is faster and works much better.

[kurly]

I agree with Fishguy2727. I cycled with ammonia and it worked out great for me.

[cocoa_pleco]

i heard it takes a eternity to do it with flakes, pure ammonia is best