Can one cycle a tank without an ammonia test kit?

Question

Hi. (:

I was wondering if I could start the cycle of a tank without getting the ammonia test kit. I'll get one eventually, but I really can't right now.

I have an established tank; can I just hang my new filter on the back of the established tank to get the bacteria or whatever then switch it to the new tank?

Answer 1

You don't really need the test kit until you are ready to add fish.  If you let the new filter run on the old tank for a week or so then switch it into the new tank will be a help.  You can also seed the new tank with some gravel from your old tank.  Remember that you have to have an ammonia source to feed the bacteria.  Add fish food or a raw shrimp to keep the ammonia going so the bacteria you seed don't die.

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Answer 2

i think the best way would be to set up the tank as usual with no fish , buy a couple feeder fish, let the die out of water , as soon as that happens let them float in the tank for about a day or two to decay, and pull them out and wait mabey a week

Answer 3

NOOO!!!!!!   You need to monitor your ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels the whole time you're cycling your tank.  This will also let you know how close you are to finishing your cycle, and more importantly adding your new fish to a healthy tank!! :)

I hope this helped. :)

Answer 4

Yes, you can cycle a tank without a test kit, but until you get the kit, you wouldn't know for sure if the tank is done cycling.

Running the filter on another tank and then switching it over would work. It's also a smart move. However, the bacteria for the cycling lives on more than just the filter media. It's on decorations, on the tank walls, and in the substrate as well. Swapping the filter will speed up the cycling process a little bit in the new tank, but it isn't a substitute. You'll still be waiting a few weeks.

Don't take a chance with the fish. Get your test kits and ensure that your levels are fine before adding your pets.

Answer 5

yes the test kit is not nessary to cycle the tank but you do need to test the water before adding fish and the idea with the filter is almost a good one but rather than putting the filter on the new tank just clean the filter media into the new tank also siphon the gravel of the established tank and put that water with the crude in it into the new tank do this once a week for 2 weeks it will seed and establish the new tank feed the new tank a pinch of fish food a couple of times a week to maintain the seeded bacteria

edit : mega mac has no idea what cycling a tank is or what takes place during the cycle process so doesn't realize that he has or is cycling a tank with fish which is ok in my book but you have to know that is what you are doing

Answer 6

I would say yes. We currently have 4 tanks successfully up and running in our house. I actually just began stocking one today. All of these tank have never had a water test, ammonia test, or any other water test on them and we have had no problems. When setting up a new tank I clean the tank, gravel, and any decor going into the tank. Then put it all together, fill up the tank, rinse filter pad, then plug in the filter and heater, and let it "cycle" for at least 24 hours. Most websites and people say you have to go through at least a month of cycling, but I have neveer had a problem getting fish 2-3 days after first setting up the tank. I hope this helps, and good luck with your new tank. Feel free to email me with any other questions you may have!