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Seeding a new aquarium
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 10:17 pm
by wildpets
Just set up a new 20 gallon tank and added some substrate. Gonna cycle it for a few weeks before adding fish. Any tips on speeding up the process or should I just chill and let it ride?
Re: Seeding a new aquarium
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 10:24 pm
by deepfin
Cycling can take time, but you can speed it up by adding a bit of filter media from an established tank. Also, dosing with Seachem Stability helps. What kind of substrate did you use?
Re: Seeding a new aquarium
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 11:23 pm
by chario
I've had success with adding a small amount of fish food to kickstart the ammonia cycle. Just don't overdo it, or you'll get a nasty spike. What's your water temp at?
Re: Seeding a new aquarium
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 11:53 pm
by desertbloom
wildpets wrote: ↑Thu Jul 24, 2025 10:17 pm
Just set up a new 20 gallon tank and added some substrate. Gonna cycle it for a few weeks before adding fish. Any tips on speeding up the process or should I just chill and let it ride?
I'd say let it ride. Rushing can mess with the balance. What fish are you planning to add?
Re: Seeding a new aquarium
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 12:04 am
by anglerboy
I've used bottled bacteria before, but it's hit or miss. Some brands work great, others do nada. What's your filter setup like?
Re: Seeding a new aquarium
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 12:50 am
by duneshell
Patience is key here. I've seen too many folks rush and end up with dead fish. Test your water daily and keep an eye on ammonia levels. What's your pH at?
Re: Seeding a new aquarium
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 1:37 am
by aquahive
deepfin wrote: ↑Thu Jul 24, 2025 10:24 pm
Cycling can take time, but you can speed it up by adding a bit of filter media from an established tank. Also, dosing with Seachem Stability helps. What kind of substrate did you use?
Second this. Stability is solid. Also, make sure your heater's set to around 78°F for optimal bacteria growth.
Re: Seeding a new aquarium
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 2:12 am
by dorvina
I just let mine cycle naturally. Took about a month, but it was worth the wait. What kind of fish you gonna put in?
Re: Seeding a new aquarium
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 3:02 am
by giggle
If you're in a hurry, ask a local fish store for some used filter media. It's a game-changer. Just make sure their tanks are healthy.
Re: Seeding a new aquarium
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 3:59 am
by Tonito
I've had the best results with a combo of Stability and Fritz Turbo Start. Cuts cycling time in half. What's your lighting schedule like?