Cycling Schedule.

[fastfly]

Well, I have everything I need to start cycling my tank, but I have an issue.

I am cycling this tank at home (I am currently at school). I have finals next week so I am kind of tied to school for the next week or so.

However, tomorrow, Friday, I am going home for dinner and I could fill my tank and add the first doses of Ammonia.

I, however, would not be able to go back to my house till next Wednesday or Thursday. I will then be able to monitor it daily after that Sunday.


Could this work out? Or do I really need to start cycling when I can monitor it daily?

I assumed that adding a little ammonia on Friday cannot hurt since bacteria will start to grow. But will the bacteria die before I can add more on Wednesday/Thursday?

[sandy_n]

My suggestion would be wait and do it when you can monitor it daily.

[sandy_n]

:c3: Well, I have everything I need to start cycling my tank, but I have an issue.

I am cycling this tank at home (I am currently at school). I have finals next week so I am kind of tied to school for the next week or so.

However, tomorrow, Friday, I am going home for dinner and I could fill my tank and add the first doses of Ammonia.

I, however, would not be able to go back to my house till next Wednesday or Thursday. I will then be able to monitor it daily after that Sunday.


Could this work out? Or do I really need to start cycling when I can monitor it daily?

I assumed that adding a little ammonia on Friday cannot hurt since bacteria will start to grow. But will the bacteria die before I can add more on Wednesday/Thursday?

Yes it is possible that the ammonia could die out and you'd have to start all over again. I know...it can be a pain!

[fastfly]

:c3:

Yes it is possible that the ammonia could die out and you'd have to start all over again. I know...it can be a pain!


If that does happen, It would be like starting over, so it would not hurt to add ammonia tomorrow, right?

[Wild Turkey]

If that does happen, It would be like starting over, so it would not hurt to add ammonia tomorrow, right?

Probably not, The best option would be to get your parents or gf, whoever you live with, to take care of this for you while your gone. Just make sure you explain what to do real well. I hate the thought of leaving my fish in the care of others, but since you dont have any fish yet, whats the worst that could happen?

[gm72]

I'd just wait until you get back.

[fastfly]

Probably not, The best option would be to get your parents or gf, whoever you live with, to take care of this for you while your gone. Just make sure you explain what to do real well. I hate the thought of leaving my fish in the care of others, but since you dont have any fish yet, whats the worst that could happen?


I could definitely get someone to add ammonia daily, but I would not hassle them with testing the levels.

I doubt even Nitrite levels would build before I get back, and assume it would be fine.



I understand you guys and was kind of looking for this answer. I know I should wait but ya know, the faster you cycle the faster you can stock :18:

[sandy_n]

It's possible that the ammonia will not have to be added daily. It could hold at the level you want it for a d, 2 days, 3 days or more. You just never know for sure.

[MandyL]

How about an automatic fish feeder? It is obviously not as good as adding ammonia, but at least if a feeder is adding fish food, the bacteria would not starve.

[sandy_n]

I could definitely get someone to add ammonia daily, but I would not hassle them with testing the levels.

I doubt even Nitrite levels would build before I get back, and assume it would be fine.



I understand you guys and was kind of looking for this answer. I know I should wait but ya know, the faster you cycle the faster you can stock :18:

You should wait till you get home, check with youf lfs (local fish store) and find a product called Bio-Spira. It will be in the refrigerator. You put the correct amount in your tank and you can add a FEW fish within the first 24 hours only or you've wasted the Bio-Spira. It helps to hold down the ammonia and nitrite levels while the tank is cycling so it never reaches dangerous levels for your fish. However, I would still take readings everyday to make sure. If the ammonia gets a little too high you can do a 30% water change. Oh, the whole time your tank is cycling, do not vacuum your gravel or change your filter media. That is where all the bacteria is building up.

[Wild Turkey]

You should wait till you get home, check with youf lfs (local fish store) and find a product called Bio-Spira. It will be in the refrigerator. You put the correct amount in your tank and you can add a FEW fish within the first 24 hours only or you've wasted the Bio-Spira. It helps to hold down the ammonia and nitrite levels while the tank is cycling so it never reaches dangerous levels for your fish. However, I would still take readings everyday to make sure. If the ammonia gets a little too high you can do a 30% water change. Oh, the whole time your tank is cycling, do not vacuum your gravel or change your filter media. That is where all the bacteria is building up.

Yes, if you really dont want to wait, bio spira is always an option, and a good one. But actually i beleive bio spira is the actual bacteria, whereas some other products like cycle merely "hold down the levels".Bio spira provides an "instant cycle" I say instant with " " because your still looking at a week or a little more before all ur lvls are normal, and you will still have to perform water changes to keep it safe... but you will be able to add fish the same day as the bio spira, since it is a culture of the bacteria you are trying to grow.

[fastfly]

Yes, if you really dont want to wait, bio spira is always an option, and a good one. But actually i beleive bio spira is the actual bacteria, whereas some other products like cycle merely "hold down the levels".Bio spira provides an "instant cycle" I say instant with " " because your still looking at a week or a little more before all ur lvls are normal, and you will still have to perform water changes to keep it safe... but you will be able to add fish the same day as the bio spira, since it is a culture of the bacteria you are trying to grow.

What is the price of bio spira?

[Wild Turkey]

What is the price of bio spira?

for 1 ounce its about 13 bucks, for 3 ounces its around 25 bucks. 1 ounce treats up to 30 gallons

Edit: you can probably find it cheaper online but shipping is risky cuz it needs to stay refrigerated.
Heres a site that charges 18.99 for 3 ounces. [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
Im sure with shipping its still around 25, but if you order some other stuff you need you could save a few bucks.

[sandy_n]

If you can't find the Bio-Spira there is a product made by Seachem called Stability. I've used it too. If you have a Petsmart near you you can get it there. Again, you can put in a couple of fish and start the Stability the same day. Follow the directions for the next 7 days. You'll still have to monitor your ammonia levels because they'll shoot up and you'll still have to do wc's to get it down. The Stability will help keep the levels from going real high. Even though you dose the water for 7 days it does not mean your cycle is completed then. You're still going to have to monitor the Big 3 (ammonia, nitrite and nitrate). Same as with Bio-Spira, dont'vacuum the gravel when you do the wc's and don't change the filter media.
I would try to find the Bio first. Usually you can find it at a smaller lfs not at the big chain stores. You can buy it online but my guess is shipping is going to be expensive since it has to stay refrigerated.
But you have the Stability as a backup if you can't find the Bio.

[cocoa_pleco]

this might sound absolutely stupid, but dont most automatic fish feeders have plastic casing? maybe its possible to put pure ammonia in a automatic fish feeder, and set it on the lowest setting so a bit of ammonia goes in every day. if it would work, i would try it on a cheap feeder