How long does it take to do a fishless cycle in a 10g aquarium?
Sorry for asking so many questions. I just really want to make sure this is all right.
On wednesday I’m going to get all of my aquarium supplies.
(hood+light, gravel, plants, heater, filter, air pump, water testing kit, dechlorinator, pure ammonia, background, ornaments) I plan to cycle the tank for 1 month, because that’s how long it’s going to be before I can go get the fish anyway. The pet store is too far away. Is 1 month long enough?
And here are the instructions I have for a fishless cycle, please let me know if they are correct:
1. Set up aquarium. Add gravel, plants, filter, heater, air pump, and decor.
2. Keep filter running at maximum capacity throughout the cycling process.
3. Do not change water during the cycling process.
4. Add 30-40 drops of pure ammonia. Ammonia levels should be 4-5.
5. Test ammonia daily. When it reaches 1, add more.
6. Continue adding ammonia until levels go from 5 to 0 in 8 hours.
7. Once ammonia levels are balanced, test for nitrites. Levels should be very high.
8. Continue to add ammonia daily so it stays leveled at 1-2.
9. When nitrite levels stay at 0 for 24+ hours, you’re finished.
10. Keep adding ammonia until you add fish. Do a 90% water change before adding fish.
The site I got these directions from didn’t say anything about what the nitrate levels should be, just the nitrite. So before I add fish, what should the nitrate levels be? And assuming the cycling process is done in a month, this is when I’ll get my fish (3 male guppies, 1 dwarf gourami, 2 african dwarf frogs.) When I get my fish, I’ll also be purchasing stress coat, tetracolor tropical fish flakes, algae chips, and live/frozen foods.
Does this all sound okay now?