what is cycling and why is it important?

[themuffinbandit]

sorry. I know this is a nub question but i am one, and in interest of my fish, id like to know so that i can fix any problems at hand or prevent any future problems.

[PUNISHER VETTE]

Cycling is establishing GOOD bacteria in your tank. They preform the task of turning bad chemicals(ammonia and nitrate) found in fish poop and decaying stuff into okay chemicals(nitrite).

Without them your fish would be swimming around in toxic water which is deadly if the levels are too high.

I think the ammonia molecules bind to the fishes gills preventing them from using it to get oxygen. I'm not sure but once it's in their system it's either hard to get out if at all. But i'm not sure on that part.

[PUNISHER VETTE]

If your fish are already in the tank then it's kinda......

They will get the cycle started on their own but if they are not tolerable fish then when the toxic levels spike then they might die because of it.

[jphonger]

there is a sticky in the beginners freswater forum
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
it should help answer some of your questions...
let us know if you need any clarification. it can be a bit difficult to understand at first.

:c3:

[jbeining75]

Cycling is when a tanks filter and surfaces build beneficial bacteria to support waste removal through chemical breakdown. The first beneficial bacteria that grows is the ammonia eating bacteria. This bacteria combines ammonia and oxygen to make water and nitrites. The next kind of beneficial bacteria is nitrifying bacteria that turns nitrites and oxygen into nitrates and water. Nitrates can be removed by doing water changes. The nitrogen cycle commonly referred to as cycling is the development and sustainment of these beneficial bacteria in a manner where the bacteria can support a tank with fish in it producing waste (ammonia). When the tank is cycled it promptly removes harmful ammonia and nitrites from the water system and allows the fish to adequetly live with no added stress. Ammonia and nitrites restrict the gill functions of fish and restrict their breathing and oxygen flow throughout their body causing oxy deprevation and leading to ammonia or nitrite poisioning as their defense systems can not process the waste fast enough to remain healthy. A properly cycled tank ensures good water quality from the start with weekly water changes of course and promotes great growth, coloration, and overall health.

[LosC]

^ They all said it.
I know it seems confusing but the more you read about it and the more questions you ask the more you will understand eventually. We were all in your situation at one point, some even worse than you. I was in your situation about 2 months ago. You'll get it soon enough, goodluck.

[Wild Turkey]

^ They all said it.
I know it seems confusing but the more you read about it and the more questions you ask the more you will understand eventually. We were all in your situation at one point, some even worse than you. I was in your situation about 2 months ago. You'll get it soon enough, goodluck.

Theres a few stickys as well, this should be the easiet thing you ever research for ur tank, so enjoy it while it lasts lol

[Nick_Pavlovski]

If you set up another tank, then you will really need to know about cycling.
for now, if your fish looks ok, then don't worry. If he starts to look sick, do daily water changes of 10-20% volume.