Cycling Tank

[AshFish]

Just started on a new expedition after my youngets boy saw the shark swimming at a aquarium.

I have got a 2ft tank. An overhead pump fitted to a filter comprised of carbon+volcanic rocks in bag and wool pad type filter. Had the tank running fror about 3 days. Added 4 Barbs (really energetic)

Question:

1. Is it good to buy stuff(bottled) to speed up bacteria growth ? Understand that you need to introduce Ammonia to start the process to provide nitrites & nitrates.

2. If I am going to set up Fresh water aquarium with plants please recommend a pump and filter set which is proven.

Thanks alot.

[dleecool]

u use fresh water fish, barbs for cycling?

I think u should just use market prawn to prevent killing the barbs.

[mUAr_cHEe]

1. Is it good to buy stuff(bottled) to speed up bacteria growth ? Understand that you need to introduce Ammonia to start the process to provide nitrites & nitrates.

IMO, these bottled stuff is quite er... "a waste of money"

just cycle your tank for one month... with or without the market prawn.... it works.... just make sure there are sands and rocks inside.....

cycling your tank with barbs?? sorry ah... er... wad is barb.... if barb is a kind of fish... i think u should remove the fish....

[pegasus1010]

freshwater or saltwater aquarium?

[Kalib]

I think his asking about a freshwater setup rather than a marine setup. Am i right?

[blue.tang]

if fresh water then dun need cycle lah....straight cut

[dleecool]

I tot the forum here called "New to the Marine Aquaria Hobby"?

[AshFish]

thanks to all. The shop guy told me to use barbs (fish). Removed the fish and given to my son's friend. The set-up I am planning is for fresh-water. My intentions is to learn about aquarium techniques and later start a marine tank.

[pegasus1010]

Freshwater does not need cycling unlike marine. U do need to let the tap water run at least overnite without any livestocks.

What u need though is anti-chlorine, aquarium salt & standby some medication for internal bacteria which is common diseases among new setup. I lost 3 fishes during the initial setup till it stable now.