Glossary
Cycling
The 4–6 week process of establishing nitrifying bacteria in a new tank.
Adding ammonia → AOB convert to nitrite → NOB convert to nitrate. Tank is 'cycled' when ammonia and nitrite both read zero within 24h of dosing 2 ppm ammonia. Fishless cycling with Dr. Tim's Ammonium Chloride is the standard now.
Recommended
Fishless-cycling combo: bottled bacteria + ammonia source.
Dr. Tim's One & Only nitrifying bacteria
Seeds nitrifiers during cycling. Pairs with Ammonium Chloride.
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Dr. Tim's Ammonium Chloride (cycling)
Pure NH4Cl for fishless cycling. Dose to 2 ppm.
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