To begin with the title of this book is a misnomer because it is not actually the aquarium you are cycling at all - it is the filtration system. That may be an external canister filter, an internal filter, a simple sponge filter or a sump system but the same process applies to both freshwater and saltwater aquarium systems. Any type of filter needs cycling before it can work biologically. This means the filter media contained within has fully completed the nitrogen cycle and is capable of supporting life in the aquarium by ...
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To begin with the title of this book is a misnomer because it is not actually the aquarium you are cycling at all - it is the filtration system. That may be an external canister filter, an internal filter, a simple sponge filter or a sump system but the same process applies to both freshwater and saltwater aquarium systems. Any type of filter needs cycling before it can work biologically. This means the filter media contained within has fully completed the nitrogen cycle and is capable of supporting life in the aquarium by digesting waste matter etc.Although the process of cycling may seem a little daunting at a first glance, as you read through this book you should find it becomes very much clearer once you have an understanding of why we need to complete the process. The whole procedure is quite straightforward.Unfortunately, it is not a fast procedure so lots of patience are required. There are one or two short cuts that can be used and we will be looking at these too, including some products which claim an 'instant' cycle.The first chapter explains in simple terms how the bacteria keeps the aquarium clean and pollution free and also explains how and why we need to develop a good head of Nitrosomonas Bacteria in order to keep our aquarium system healthy. I will show you the three most common ways of cycling but without a doubt the most efficient process is known as the 'Fish-Less Ammonia' cycle, I would strongly urge you to consider this method. It completely avoids any stress, or even death to the fish or other livestock, which other methods of cycling cannot guarantee!
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