| Re: Just exactly what is a "cycled" tank
cycling is the term we use to describe when a new tank (zero bactieria) begins the process of "building" it's bio filter. You'll have to go through the whole Cycle of amonia to nitrite to nitrate. That's the "cycle". Your tank has to establish it's beneficial bacteria to a level that will completely convert all existing "stuff" from amonia all the way to nitrate. You'll see a Spike of Amonia first. Then a few days later as the bacteria increases you'll see Nitrie Spike. then with time nitrate and then it should start to level off with proper care. Even after the tank is "cycled" you'll still get "mini-cyles" as new stuff is added to the tank. This is normal as the bio-load increases so too will the beneficial bacteria. The key is to have MINI cycles and not HUGE fluctuations within your tank.
A tank cycle and take anywhere from 4 weeks to a few months depending on MANY variables. This is the time to learn to test and "understand" you tank and how it reacts to various input from you. This isn't a once and done process as your tank will always be changing and growing in many ways (good and bad at times).
Hope this helps some. |