If you want to do a fish cycle fast to keep your fish tank healthy and toxin-free, then you are at the right place. Fish tank cycling is essential for turning toxin elements into less harmful. That ensures the better health of your fish and other living creatures of your fish tank.
In this article, we will explain how to cycle a fish tank fast, why it is necessary, and other relatable topics that you need to know.
What is cycling a fish tank?
Cycle for fish tank refers to the nitrogen cycle of a fish tank. It is a way to convert harmful ammonia into nitrite throughout the process. Let me explain further.
All the waste caused by fish poop, waste food, fish urine turns into ammonia. And that is dangerous for fish health.
There is a bacteria that grows in the fish tank called Nitrosomonas. And, Nitrosomonas converts ammonia into nitrite. However, nitrite is more toxic than ammonia. Therefore, you need something else to get rid of that.
Fortunately, other bacteria convert nitrite into nitrate called Nitrobacter. And nitrate is less harmful than ammonia.
As a result, your fish tank remains safe and balanced for keeping better health of your fish and other aquatic lives in the fish tank.
Suppose your fish tank has 40 part nitrate per million (ppm) that states as a safe amount. However, you should keep it under 20 ppm for sensitive fishes.
How long does it take to cycle a fish tank fully?
Fish tank takes time to cycle fully. It depends on tank size and the existence of fish. Let’s discuss that further.
This cycle usually requires six to eight weeks to complete. After setting up a fish tank, when you add fish food, food waste will be produced there. So, it will take a few weeks to grow beneficial bacteria.
You have to test the water to see the nitrate level. If it is somewhere between 0 to 50 ppm, you are on the right track.
However, the Nitrogen cycle takes 6-8 weeks to complete. And according to your fish tank size, it may take a few days here and there. And you have to act differently according to your tank size.
Can you cycle a tank in one day?
Some beginners claim to cycle fish tanks in just 24 hours. However, it is the last thing you should do to your fish tank. This is because the process converts ammonia into nitrate takes time. You can boost the process duration, but it is impossible to be wholly done in just 24 hours.
You will see no ammonia or nitrite in your tank or a reasonable amount if you do so because those are invisible. Only by testing correctly can you measure the amount.
So, doing a cycle in 24 hours ain’t going to happen. Therefore, your fish tank becomes unsafe for your fish and other aquatic life’s health.
However, since there are few ways to do that fast, you can try those. As a beginner, I suggest you follow the proper course of the fish tank cycle.
How Often Should You Cycle Your Fish Tank?
There is no exact period for that. But, changing 10 to 25% water every one or two weeks is a good habit. However, it depends on your fish tank size and fishes on the tank.
If you have more fish, then it will create ammonia quickly. Therefore, you must act based on that fish amount and tank size.
What Happens If you don’t Cycle Your Tank?
If you do not cycle your tank, there will be no conversion of ammonia. As a result, your fish tank will be toxic day by day. Therefore, fish would die or get attacked by severe diseases.
So, it is necessary to do a cycle to keep your fish alive and remain healthy.
What are the 3 stages of the nitrogen cycle in a fish tank?
The nitrogen cycle is a naturally occurring process where the nitrogen in the air moves to living beings and then back to the air. It is necessary for a well-balanced ecosystem, but in an enclosed environment like an aquarium, the nitrogen cycle can be disruptive and even fatal. Let us demonstrate below how this happens and why you should learn how to cycle a fish tank fast.
1) Step 1 – Production of ammonia
The first stage is triggered when organic matter in the aquarium breaks down. Sources include uneaten fish food, dead plant leaves, animal wastes, or deceased organisms. During this metabolic process, ammonia is produced. This can be problematic because even low levels of this chemical compound in the water can damage gills due to oxygen deprivation. Overfeeding or overcrowding exacerbates this issue because these bad practices lead to an ammonia spike.
2) Step 2 – Conversion of ammonia into nitrites
The nitrogen cycle enters the next phase through the beneficial bacteria residing in the biological filtration system of the fish tank. It typically takes around three months for these bacteria to form a thriving colony. But once they have started, they will perform their primary task in the aquarium: convert ammonia into nitrite. It should be noted that this isn’t the final stage because nitrite is still toxic to fish.
3) Step 3 – Production of nitrates
The same bacteria continue working on the nitrite to convert it into nitrate. Though nitrate can still cause harm if unmanaged, it is an essential nutrient for the aquatic plants in your fish tank. You can maintain it at the appropriate level by using a biological filter, conducting regular water testing, and performing partial water changes as necessary.
Tips on how to cycle a fish tank fast
Although there are no ways to do the cycle overnight, you can speed up that process through basic rules. And, the beginner often mistakes on these basics. As a result, cycling a fish tank takes more time than it should be. So, first, do the basics right.
Dechlorinate
Caroline is suitable for drinking water. It makes water safe by killing harmful bacteria. Therefore water becomes safe for drinking.
However, choline is harmful to fish health and beneficial bacteria.
So, the first thing you have to do is, dechlorinate the water before adding it into the tank. Otherwise, it will kill the bacteria you need to complete the nitrogen cycle.
You can do that by adding chemicals. You check here to find the best product to dechlorinate water.
Maintain pH Level
It is the most basic rule of aquarium fish keeping.
Usually, bacteria grow on pH level 7 or above. But, regular drinking water has a pH level of 7 or above. So, you can use that.
However, you should test the water pH level to ensure it is safe for your fish tank. You can get an API test kit. That will measure the pH level. Also, it will later use to measure nitrate, ammonia, and nitrite level.
Keep the Temperature at a Level.
Those beneficial bacteria grow at a certain temperature level. Usually, warm water is better for their growth. So keeping temperature 80 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit is the standard temperature for bacteria. It will speed up bacteria growth.
However, never go above 87 degrees. It can be harmful to your fish.
Increase Oxygen Level
Oxygen is necessary for all living beings. Lower oxygen level is stressful for both your fish and beneficial bacteria.
You can use an air pump to keep the Oxygen flow at a decent level.
Keeping Filter Running
If there is no fish, some of you think there is no need for a filter. But, bacteria colonies usually grow around the sponge or the filter floss.
So, if you turn off the filter, the Oxygen level will decrease, and eventually, bacteria will die.
Therefore, you should never shut off the water filter.
How can I cycle my fish tank faster?
There are a few methods that you can use to cycle your fish tank faster. Here are some methods that you can utilize below.
Add Beneficial Bacteria to Your Tank
Another way to complete the nitrogen cycle is by adding bacteria. You can get those beneficial bacteria in the market. Just get a bottle or more according to your fish tank size. Then, pour that into your fish tank.
Since you got the bacteria, it will start right from the nitrogen cycle. But, I suggest getting bacteria from a trusted source.
You can get Fritz nitrifying bacteria for freshwater aquariums.
Few Other Ways for Experts
If you are a beginner, you must follow above mentions process only. But, if you are already familiar with fish tank cycling, you can follow these processes too.
Season a Filter
If you have an established fish tank, you can install another filter beside the existing filter. And, when your new filter grows bacteria, you can transfer that to your new fish tank.
Get Some Plants
Plants are commonplace for bacteria to coat. Therefore, adding some plants to your fish tank will speed up the cycle process. However, it requires a lot of attention.
Because plants can also grow some harmful bacteria, algae, and beneficial bacteria, if you do not know how to get rid of them, there is not necessary to apply this procedure.
Add Gravel
Also, adding gravel from the existing fish tank will complete the nitrogen cycle fast because beneficial bacteria coat with gravel.
How to Know If your Fish Tank is Cycled?
After the cycle starts, you will see ammonia levels decrease in your fish tank. You can measure that via an API test kit. Also, you will see increases in nitrate levels.
You have to wait for a few weeks to see the result.
In the meantime, you have to test the water to measure the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate level.
When you see 0 ammonia and nitrite, you can say the cycle has been done. Also, make sure to keep the nitrate level at 25 parts per million or below at the beginning.
So, you can add fish into the fish tank at this point. It will be safe for your fish health and growing plants inside the tank.
How can you test the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels in your fish tank?
Before tackling how to fast cycle a fish tank, you must learn the two primary ways of testing the water parameters in your aquarium. Such methods are crucial to preserving a healthy environment for pet fish and plants. Since each has its set of advantages and limitations, we will describe your options below so you can determine which would best suit your needs and budget.
Individual test kits
An individual test kit is designed to measure a specific water parameter. It is relatively easy to use and cost-effective, making it an ideal choice for beginner aquarists. For example, you want to assess the nitrate level of your fish tank. All you have to do is combine a few drops of the aquarium water and the testing solution in the test tube, wait for the color to change, and consult the reference chart to find out what it means.
Such a straightforward approach can appeal to many because the results are easy to interpret. However, note that individual test kits do not paint the complete picture. If you want to analyze thoroughly the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in your fish tank, you need to purchase different kinds of test kits, which might cost more at the end of the day.
Manual test kits
Aquarists who prefer a comprehensive analysis of multiple water parameters tend to use manual test kits. A single kit consists of various test strips or vials that allow simultaneous testing of the overall water quality in the fish tank. In addition to ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, a manual test kit can also tell you about the pH level, total dissolved solids, hardness, and bacteria.
Though more expensive than individual test kits, the cost of manual test kits varies depending on the parameters covered. This type is not inherently better in all cases, though. Because of its scope, the preciseness of test results might not be as high as those yielded by individual test kits, particularly for specialized parameters.
What is fishless cycling?
This option on how to cycle a fish tank fast can be done if you have not yet introduced live fish in your aquarium. Through this method, you can create a favorable environment where the beneficial bacteria can grow and thrive. Fishless cycling also serves as a humane way of stabilizing the water parameters in the tank since you will protect your fish and aquatic plants from the risks posed by unmanaged levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrate.
How do you start a fishless cycle?
Prepare your tank by filling it with water, setting up the filtration system, and adding the substates, rocks, and decorations, if any. Remember, you should not place any fish in it yet. We suggest adding items from other established and healthy aquariums, such as gravel, driftwood, or decorations, since those can help boost bacterial growth in your new tank.
If you prefer a more controlled approach, consider adding fish food to the aquarium every 12 hours. As the food breaks down, ammonia production will start. Another more direct method is using pure household ammonia that is scentless and contains no additives.
Cycle your fish tank today
That was all about how to speed up the fish tank cycle. If you do this right, it will benefit fish health and keep the fish tank healthy. However, doing something wrong can cause severe damage to your fish tank. Therefore, you have to follow every single process. Never overdo anything as a beginner unless you know what you are doing.
FAQs about cycling a fish tank
Can I cycle my tank with fish in it?
Yes, but it is not the ideal approach. There are emergencies where you cannot apply what you have learned about how to cycle a fish tank fast because doing so will cause more damage or may prove fatal to your pets. To reduce the risk, we recommend using water conditioners, such as Seachem Prime, since they can help lessen the amount of ammonia and nitrites in the water.
Do you run a filter when cycling a fish tank?
Yes, your filter is a necessary component of how to fast cycle a fish tank. It serves as a surface for the beneficial bacteria to form colonies. You can kickstart their growth by adding filter media from existing tanks with optimal conditions to the new filter. Having enough bacteria in the tank facilitates the conversion of harmful compounds into nitrates.
Will my fish die if I don’t cycle the tank?
There is a high chance of your fish dying if you fail to cycle the tank for an extended period. Ammonia can build up in the aquarium for various reasons. If left unchecked and unmanaged, your fish will start suffering from symptoms of ammonia poisoning, such as breathing difficulties, loss of appetite, or lethargy. Your pet will likely succumb to an illness or infection as the immune system weakens further.
What is new tank syndrome?
New tank syndrome occurs when you add a fish to a tank wherein the nitrogen cycle has not yet been fully established. Signs and symptoms include but are not limited to pale or discolored scales, red or purple gills, clamped fins, listless behavior, or bloody patches. You can prevent this by remaining patient while waiting for the nitrogen cycle to stabilize and testing the water regularly afterward.
Does temperature affect tank cycling?
Yes, water temperature has a direct impact on the process of how to cycle a fish tank fast. Keep the temperature in the aquarium within 72°F to 84°F. Warm water helps quicken the growth of beneficial bacteria. Avoid going over the limit because too much heat can kill them. We suggest using an aquarium heater and a thermometer to achieve and maintain the optimal water temperature.