JUST finished setting up my 10g!! I decided to make it a bare bottom instead of the 20g. I'll post pics later! I put together the filter all by myself!! How long should I let it cycle? I was thinking 1-2 weeks. Is that long enough? Thanks!

Cycling will take around 6 weeks, mate

What????!!!! Is there any way it could be shorter but still safe for the fish? My filter is on high. I was hoping to get a fish in before summer vacation! But if I have to do 6 weeks I'll deal with it! I want my fishie to live a long time! Thanks d golem!

and you will need to test your water every week.

So what are thinking of getting for it?

Luna, if you have filter media from an established filter, all you have to do is stuff a part of it into the new filter, and that will transfer any beneficial bacteria to the new media. You can keep a fish in the 10 gl while that goes on, or you can "feed" the new tank/filter with pure ammonia, or just dump some fish food in it.

if u have seeded media u can do it quicker, i cycled my 125 gallon in 4-5 days with a cycled filter and a few ornaments from cycled tanks, i also placed the new bio media in my cycled tanks for a week first

I plan on putting a young oranda about 1-2in.! Pets~mart got a new shippment of them and they look really healthy! I'll do the water tests every week like you said, Thanks!

You mean it doesn't have to take 6 weeks??!! YAY! I'll do the transfering the beneficial bacteria thing! Thank You!!!! Cant wait for my new fish!!

b sure to still test the water cuz u can have a slight bump in ur cycle when u add ur fish remember the tank that ur taking the bb's from will also have a small bump in the cycle, just keep testing the water for a few days and do water changes if necessary then it should all work out nicely

It only takes 6 weeks, or more, if you don't have any beneficial bacteriat all in an established filter - starting from scratch, so to speak.

You still might be having a mini cycle, with ammonia readings for a few days, but since you don't have a fish in there, there isn't any harm done. Just keep "feeding" the filter as long as it runs fishless.

Thanks I'll remember to do that! When we get our digital camera fixed I'll post pics of my tank!

I put on the hood this morning! It looks alot better with light! I haven't had time to put in beneficial bacteria, but I'm going to start soon! O and I have another question. Does the product "cycle" work? It says it speeds up cycling but I'm not sure. Just in case, does it work? Thanks!

cycle doesnt really help much at all, i think its a waste of money

Thanks! I'm trying not to waste money 'cause I have to buy: another filter, goldfish,hood, and lights! Thanks again!

cant wait to see pics

I cant wait to post them!:D If only my camera would work!!!

lol drop kick the camera! wait.. no.. don't do that.. *looks around*

sorry i feel ya on the camera not working *points to self* in the same boat!

hopefully you get it working soon and we get to see some pictures! *^_^*

I hope so! I dont want to have to ad "digital camera" to my list!! lol

can u borrow someone's camera?

well my friend aliyah is getting her very own digital camera today, but I dont thinks she'll let me borrow it! She has been talking about it for weeks so I dont think she feels like sharing! lol

I was right ! when I asked my friend if I could borrow her camera shes like, "NOOOOO!!!!! MINE!!!!!!!" lol Checked my amonia levels today they're
.5! So close!!!! I'll post back when my amonia level is at 0!

I DID IT!!!!! i got the amonia down to 0 !!!!!! It's ready for fish!!! ( I checked everything else too!) YAY! I'm getting a new fish soon! Either today, tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow!!