What is the best way to do fishless cycle in an aquarium?

Fishless cycling is a process of establishing beneficial bacteria in an aquarium without adding fish. Fishless cycling can help to speed up the aquarium maturation process and reduce the risk of fish loss due to poor water quality. There are four steps to fishless cycle process.

1. Dose the water with ammonia.

Why: This is the food source for the nitrifying bacteria we are trying to grow.

How: Use pure ammonia (ammonium chloride or hydroxide). Do not use household ammonia, which contains detergents and fragrances.

How much: Dose the water to 2 ppm ammonia. Use an ammonia test kit to measure the concentration.

2. Wait.

Why: This gives the nitrifying bacteria time to grow.

How long: Wait for 3-4 weeks.

3. Test the water.

Why: We need to make sure the nitrifying bacteria have done their job.

How: Use an ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate test kit to measure the concentrations.

What to look for: The ammonia and nitrite concentrations should be 0 ppm. The nitrate concentration should be > 0 ppm.

4. Do a water change.

Why: This is to remove any remaining ammonia or nitrite, which can be toxic to fish.

How much: Do a 50% water change.

Now you can add your fish!

Tips for successful fishless cycling:

- Use a filter that is rated for the size of your aquarium.

- Keep the water temperature between 76-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Provide plenty of surface area for the beneficial bacteria to grow, such as filter media or driftwood.

- Be patient! Fishless cycling can take several weeks.