NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT FORUM MOVE IT IF IT ISNT

i am setting up a non gravel tank, and was wondering first if it is bad for the fish not to have gravel and second if it isnt should i put any bacteria into the tank?

my goldfish tank has no gravel in it. with out gravel it is easier to clean. also the filter picks up waste better. there is no resistance of the waste as it moves to the intake of the filter. the bacteria will grow in your filter on the media. if you have questions about filters and growing bacteria just ask. as for, should you add bacteria to the tank. are you asking if you should add a a prduct like cycle or one of the other brands? i have used cycle in the past but have not cycled a tank for years. i have read in the trade mags on this subject and have come away with more questions than answers. some love it some hate it. seachem has started making an additive. i like seachem, they have a good name in the fish world. they say that their product has a 4 year shelf life. you can go to their web site and read what they have to say and see if you want to try it. the sea chem product is called stability. once your tank cycles you do not need to add these products unless there has been a problem and have lost all your bacteria, ie; power outage :goldfish

I agree, gravel is not needed to cycle a tank. I have just a few "river rocks" on the bottom of mine because I don't like a totally bare bottomed tank, but definately no gravel. Gravel is too difficult to keep clean and can harbor "bad" bacteria as well as good.

As far as adding cycle, I have used it, but didn't notice that the tank cycled any faster with it. Your best bet is adding some filter media from a tank that has already cycled.

Hope this helps!

Laura