richo_00 1 Report post Posted June 16, 2018 Ive just set up a 6x1.5x2ft tank with two otto internal filters.. Just wondering how long I should let it cycle for? Any tips to speed up the process or advice appreciated thanks guys! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kalo1993 20 Report post Posted June 16, 2018 You should let it cycle for as long as it takes to cycle. I like to speed things up by adding an already established filter or filter media to the tank, if you add enough the tank becomes pretty much instantly cycled. If you dont have an already running filter/media than you should add an ammonia source like a couple pieces of shrimp and keep testing your water until you can read nitrate and no ammonia/nitrite. Also what do you plan on keeping? as that filtration seems a little light for a tank that size. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tdj5 498 Report post Posted June 16, 2018 im bad at cycleing tanks I just full and add fish Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
A.M. 3 Report post Posted June 16, 2018 If you're keeping hardier fish they might survive if you cycle with them but I still think they'd be stressed and cycling will take longer if you need to do more water changes... To speed things up you can use existing media like Kalo mentioned or use one of those bacteria in a bottle (never tried it so don't know how well they work). Other things you can do to speed things up at this time of the year is bumping up the temperature (say 27/28C) and aerating the water. Not really a problem for most people but make sure your ph isn't way too acidic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richo_00 1 Report post Posted June 16, 2018 Thanks guys im keeping malawi cichlids kalo 2 2000lph internals wont be enough filtration? I dont have any old filter media unfortunately Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueNeon 66 Report post Posted June 16, 2018 You will need a lot more filtration for keeping cichlids. For cycling the tank add fish and get api/seachem quick start. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richo_00 1 Report post Posted June 17, 2018 what sorta filtration do u recommend using then? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueNeon 66 Report post Posted June 17, 2018 Sump or large canister filled with marine pure, Bakki rods or matrix. The more media the better. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
