Cycling your tank is the most important step before adding fish. It builds beneficial bacteria that converts harmful ammonia into safe nitrates.
What is the Nitrogen Cycle?
Fish produce ammonia through their gills and waste. Ammonia is toxic. The nitrogen cycle uses beneficial bacteria to convert:
- Ammonia (toxic) â
- Nitrites (still toxic) â
- Nitrates (safe at low levels)
Fishless Cycling Method (Recommended)
1 Add Ammonia Source
Add ammonia or fish food to start the cycle. 2-3 drops of pure ammonia or fish food decaying.
2 Test Water Every Few Days
Use a test kit to monitor ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Expect to see ammonia spike, then drop.
3 Wait for Nitrites
After ammonia drops, nitrites will spike. This shows the second colony of bacteria is forming.
4 Nitrates Appear
When nitrites drop and nitrates appear (0 ammonia, 0 nitrites), your tank is cycled!
How Long Does It Take?
Typically 4-6 weeks. Be patient! The cycle cannot be rushed.
When Can I Add Fish?
Once your test shows 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and some nitrates (5-20ppm), your tank is ready for fish!