Things You'll Need:
- Fish Tank
- Water Conditioners
- Gravel
- Filter
- Ornaments and/or plants (optional)
- Test Strips
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Step 1
OK, you have a new fish tank and you are wondering how to get it to cycle. You have your tank set up with gravel, a filter, heater if needed, and maybe ornaments and/or plants, depending on how you want your tank to look. Start off with a few hardy fish. Your local pet store can advise you as to what fish are the best for starting a new tank. Also, always make certain your water is conditioned so that it is correct for your fish. Some great water conditioners are available at your pet store.
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Step 2
Once you have your few fish in the tank, it will begin to cycle. The tank has to build up a certain amount of bacteria in order to support your fish. While that is happening, ammonia will start to rise in your tank. That is what you have to watch out for. Test strips, also available at your pet store, should be on hand for you to test the water and see what your ammonia level is. Ammonia is the most dangerous to your fish. Ammonia will break down into nitrites, which are also dangerous but not quite as much as ammonia. Finally, nitrites will break down into nitrates, the least dangerous for the fish.
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Step 3
When your ammonia level starts to rise, a 25% water change will be most beneficial for your fish. Only when your ammonia and nitrite levels are down to zero should you add more fish, about two. You may be eager to get your tank stocked with fish, but patience is of the essence. If you add fish too soon, you end up losing them from ammonia poisoning because the tank will not be able to accommodate the waste of your fish. It needs time to build up that beneficial bacteria.
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Step 4
One way to give your tank a jump start is to put gravel in the tank from an established one. If you have any friends with fish tanks, ask them if you can use some of their gravel. Or maybe your pet store can accommodate you with some gravel from one of their tanks. This gravel already has beneficial bacteria on it, and when it is in your fish tank, it will be of great help in adding that beneficial bacteria to your tank.
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Step 5
Each time you add fish to your tank, it has to go through a mini cycle again in order to build up enough bacteria to accommodate the new fish. Always keep track of your ammonia and nitrite levels with those test strips, and do water changes when necessary. Also remember not to overfeed your fish. Too much food in the tank will quickly pollute it and cause your ammonia level to rise even faster.
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Step 6
To sum it up,check your water, do water changes when necessary, do not overfeed, and add fish gradually when ammonia and nitrites are at zero. Once your tank has cycled, remember to still do water changes on a regular basis. It keeps your tank and its inhabitants healthy. If you watch out for your fish, you will have years of enjoyment from them.
