Since I am a totally non-biased observer, how about I conduct the test using dry rock and the cycle method I suggested? I could pick up some of the bacteria from Brandon - I promised that I would see your setup anyways Brandon. I would like to do this because I am interested and like to explore new possibilities.
I have some dry sand as well if everyone wants sand in the test. For the purpose of the test, I would use only dry rock and dry sand so that no one could say that other bacteria was present to scew the results. I would do the test using the ammonia method so I can measure the water accurately under a controlled condition. I would be using a well recognized cycling method that I have posted below.
Regardless of whether or not anyone intends to use it, this would at least put the argument to rest. If Blob-79 also performs a test using the same method, we could compare results. What do you say? I'm a little tired of people getting upset about something they haven't tried. I know a regular cycle takes at least 6-8 weeks and that is what I'm used to as well but I have a completely open mind and would like to see if this works.
Cycling with the ammonia method
Another method of cycling a tank that is increasing in popularity, is using 100% pure household ammonia. Instead of utilizing ammonia-producing organisms to start the cycling process, the ammonia method involves directly adding bottled ammonia along with a starter culture of bacteria.
The ammonia must be clear, unscented, 100% pure, and with no additives. However, you may find typical household ammonia to be mostly water with an actual strength of only 5â10%. Since the concentration may vary, you will need to experiment a little to find the right amount needed to cycle your tank.
When using the ammonia method, the necessary bacteria can be introduced to your system a couple of different ways. If you have access to an established and healthy tank, obtain a small amount of sand or gravel or even used filter media. This can then be placed in the tank to be cycled and will provide a starter culture of bacteria. Another option is to use a commercial preparation of bacteria, such as Hagen's Cycle, to introduce the nitrifying microbes.
After the tank has been set up and the bacteria have been introduced, begin to add the ammonia. If the tank is on the smaller side, start with only a couple of drops. Let it circulate in the water for a short time, and then test for ammonia. You want to raise the ammonia level to about 1â2 PPM Continue adding drops of ammonia and testing, while keeping track of how many drops total it takes to get to 1â2 PPM
Once you've reached the desired level, you now need to wait for the bacteria to multiply and do their job. It may take several days to a couple of weeks for your ammonia test to register zero. Once it does, add the same number of drops of ammonia again. Keep repeating this many times, each time waiting until ammonia reads zero, until finally the ammonia test goes to zero within 8â12 hours of the addition of ammonia.
When the tank is able to clear the ammonia within this time frame, that means that there are large numbers of bacteria present. At this time, test for nitrites. If nitrites are present, perform 3v4 more ammonia cycles to further establish the second group of bacteria. If the nitrite test reads zero, perform a very large water change and then you can begin slowly stocking your tank.
It's been suggested that elevating the temperature of the tank to the mid-80s F during cycling with the ammonia method can have beneficial effects. Just make sure that there are no animals in the tank being subjected to this temperature extreme (and ammonia), and also make sure to lower the temperature again prior to stocking.
Also, tanks with low alkalinity may experience pH spikes with the addition of household ammonia. These spikes may also hinder the growth of the necessary bacteria. To counteract the problem, use a good buffering product prior to cycling with ammonia, and perform a large water change after cycling (prior to stocking) to get pH levels back on track.
