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From: sasaki@endor.UUCP
Newsgroups: alt.aquaria,rec.pets
Subject: Re: Nitrification...
Message-ID: <3425@husc6.harvard.edu>
Date: Mon, 30-Nov-87 22:37:39 EST
Article-I.D.: husc6.3425
Posted: Mon Nov 30 22:37:39 1987
Date-Received: Thu, 3-Dec-87 23:06:41 EST
References: <7044@pur-ee.UUCP> <155@bacchus.DEC.COM> <2426@gryphon.CTS.COM>
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Reply-To: sasaki@endor.UUCP (Marty Sasaki)
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Keywords: How long??? has this been going on. duh duh, da da da da da da.
Xref: hoptoad alt.aquaria:33 rec.pets:1995
Summary: Better living through chemistry

In order to do the nitrification cycle correctly you need test kits,
ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. Only after the tank has cycled should
you add more fish. When you add another fish (do add them one at a
time) continue to test the water. You should see a mini-cycle, the
concentrations of ammonia and nitrite should go up slightly, then go
down again. When the mini-cycle has completed then add another fish.

I've used damsels, clownfish, and triggers to start the cycle. You can
buy the freeze dried bacteria to help with starting an aquarium, I've
found that this does reduce the time that it takes to to complete the
cycle.

Ocean Green (algae in a bottle) is back on the market and can be added
to the water when you are starting. I did years ago with very good
results.

There is also Fritz-zyme (spelling is wrong, but it is close) which
several magazines have reported does a good job as well.

You can use mollies because they are brackish water fish. They do
a good job, but I'm not interested in keeping mollies, and don't think
that it is a good idea to flush them after your tank is set up.

----------------
  Marty Sasaki                          uucp:   harvard!sasaki
  26 Green Street                       arpa:   sasaki@harvard.harvard.edu
  Jamaica Plain, MA 02130               bitnet: sasaki@harvunxh
                                        phone:  617-524-2111