Fastest Tank Cycle??

[elicea]

Hello all!

I recently took up the project of building my own rock background. I found some different projects and settled on one from styrofoam and quikrete concrete. Today I will be getting everything cemented into the tank.

In the mean time, my axies are hanging out in a much smaller aquarium. What is seriously failed to remember is that the tank would take like 30 days to cycle through before it is safe for the axies. My baby has already been exploding in size since moving him to earthworms, and I can tell they are cramped and unhappy.

I was wondering if anyone knew of a much faster way to cycle the tank? Obviously the faster the better, but their health is most important so if 30 days is it... then I guess I'll stick to it and shop around for another smaller tank to separate them while we wait...

Thanks!

 

[keiko]

Use some old filter media that is already cycled.

 

[elicea]

Oh! I hadn't thought of that. Thank you!

 

[STCxB]

I finished cycling my tank with a similar background in about two and a half weeks. It provides a HUGE amount of surface area for bacteria to colonize rapidly. You should transfer a small amount of substrate from the old tank and any plants you may have had in there to the new one and that will also help kick start things. Then follow the instructions at this link regarding the ammonia dosing: The (almost) Complete Guide and FAQ to Fishless Cycling - Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community