QT cycle

[cmmatxh]

just ordered a nano a few days ago but i would like to know how i can cycle a QT tank while i wait for my real tank to come in. all i’ve seen on forums is that people take a used/old filter and just toss it on the Qt tank. but since this is my fist tank i don’t have any old filters, is there any other way i could cycle the QT ? i was thinking fritz turbo start 900 but don’t know if that would work on a QT since it’s not going to have any rock / sand

 

[Idoc]

Yes, you can use a nitrifying bacterial starter to get the QT cycled. I do it all the time...I setup a 10g a day or so before new fish arrive and then add some BioSpira. I typically add a cap or two full of the bacterial supplement every day for the first week just to help build the bacterial population. I actually use a HOB filter with a sponge in it....I let the sponge soak in the filter (without it running) with saltwater and the bacterial starter so it really gets into the sponge well. This allows the majority of the bacteria to colonize in the sponge itself. But, the bacteria will also colonize the floor, walls, and any PVC pieces you may use in the tank...sand and rock aren't required.

Keep a Seachem ammonia alert badge in the tank just to monitor so you can see if you have an ammonia spike...but I've never had one occur yet.