Heya!

**Kal El** · 04-05-2010, 03:24 PM

Hi everyone,

First off, I got to say that this is a great website; really glad I stumbled across it!

So, my name is Jay. I'm from Australia (Victoria, Melbourne). Currently, I'm looking to get some goldfish. Well, some Ryukin, to be specific. I have previously kept some Axolotls, but I gave up the hobby because of study commitments. So, I'm not entirely new to the whole aquarium scene. Nonetheless, it would be great to get a refresher course and get advice from anybody who's willing to offer.

Having said that, I guess my first question would be about water cycling. I've read plenty of articles about cycling; however, some people may be aware that there are the odd tanks that don't follow the general pattern of ammonia, nitrite, then nitrate. For instance, when I first set up my tank, I had a noticeable ammonia spike followed by traces of nitrate. Nitrite was completely absent from my tank and it remained that way for the period my tank was in operation. If anything, my question would be: What is the best method for cycling a tank??

Thanks in advance to those who do respond to this. Greatly appreciated!

- J

**Northernguy** · 04-05-2010, 03:27 PM

Welcome to the Fabulous AC!

The best method of cycling a tank is fishless!http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ead.php?t=5640
You can also cycle with fish but that takes a lot water changes and testing.lolhttp://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=36492
Please start by reading the free ebook.There is a link below in my sig.

**Kal El** · 04-05-2010, 03:30 PM

Hi Ray,

Thanks for the quick reply.

An eBook? This site just got a whole heap better!

Cheers,

- J

**Dandee** · 04-05-2010, 03:34 PM

Welcome!

**Kal El** · 04-05-2010, 03:38 PM

Nice to meet you, Dandee! Are those eels that you have depicted in your avatar?

**Dandee** · 04-05-2010, 03:45 PM

They are African Ropefish. The closest creature to a snake that my other half would let me bring into the house

**EmmanuelJB** · 04-05-2010, 08:35 PM

Welcome to Aquatic Community!

**Kal El** · 04-06-2010, 08:34 AM

Thanks, Emmanuel!

They are African Ropefish. The closest creature to a snake that my other half would let me bring into the house

They're really unique looking. I can see where it got it's name. Are they hard to maintain? They'll most likely be illegal in Australia- among everything else!

- Jay