how to know when tank is cycled?

[lovleeko]

What is the quickest a tank can get cycled? How will I know when it is cycled? Okay back in the day when my tanks got cycled I was a super beginner and did not even test my water conditions. Now I'm trying to cycle a ten gallon with a betta. I plan on getting some cherry barbs tuesday. Help?
Also I am going to need to cycle a 55 gallon soon. Any suggestions would be great. I have googled the crap out of it but I'm still confused on how I will know when it is cycled.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Well, to answer the main question of the thread title, you know a tank is cycled when you see 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and rising nitrates.

As to how long this can take, that answer varies based on a number of different factors. It can be something that is done instantly or it can take upwards of 6 weeks and in some cases even longer. The average time for cycling a tank from scratch is generally between 4 and 6 weeks.

[lovleeko]

I have been getting readings of zero on all of that for almost three weeks now. Whats up with that?

[fins_n_fur]

For the short answer, go here ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.]) and read the two stickies. For more to read, but more explanations, click on the ebook link in my signature. Cycling a tank with fish can take longer owing to the frequent water changes needed to keep the fish alive. If you can your hands on some filter material from an established tank and some substrate from an established tank, that will speed the cycling process.

[terrapin24h]

Well, to answer the main question of the thread title, you know a tank is cycled when you see 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and rising nitrates.

As to how long this can take, that answer varies based on a number of different factors. It can be something that is done instantly or it can take upwards of 6 weeks and in some cases even longer. The average time for cycling a tank from scratch is generally between 4 and 6 weeks.

I believe this is a trick question. Here's my answer:

A tank is cycled when you have 0 ammonia, 0 trite, and 0 trate AND you have a source of ammonia in the water. IOW, you've added ammonia or have fish in said tank. :)

The fastest ways to cycle a tank are as follows:
1--take filter media and/or gravel from a cycled tank and move it to the new tank and add a couple fish immediately(same day) Let said media or gravel sit in the tank for a month or so, the remove and add fish slowly.*this is the only method all on the board will agree with

2--Add fish to tank and add bio-spira at same time. Then continue to dose with bio spira as directed. Once finished, add fish slowly.*some people think this stuff is just snake oil and some say it works.

The *BEST* way to cycle is the fishless method. It only takes about a month, AND when you are done you get a full tank's worth of bacteria and can load the tank full with fish. In fact, you kinda have to or you can risk a bacteria die off.

--chris

[lovleeko]

Thanks guys! Okay so I have kind of a dumb Q. Can I start my 55 gallon tank up without a cartridge in the filter. Will it cycle that way? That would be a lot cheaper than buying new ones when it is time to put fish in. I know this may be a dumb Q. I'm a cycle dummy. When I started the hobby I bought fish and the tanks and lucked out I guess as I didn't really loose any fish doing it that way. So now that I know better, even though I know a good bit about the hobby I know nothing about cycling the tank. :) Thanks so much.