The Puffer Forum

Ive got a 20 gallon thats been cycling for a few days. Im gonna get a figure 8 when its ready, but in the meantime do you think i could put a bumblebee gobie or 2 in the tank right now to help it cycle? or do they need a fully cycled tank?

wait wait.. my mom has a FW 10 gallon community tank thats been running w/ healthy fish for like 2 years. Could I take some of that tank water and put it in my tank to help cycle it faster ? =o

I do not think there is enough bacteria in the water to cycle a tank for a puffer

But you could take her old filter media

Water will do you no good. Bacteria doesnt free float around in the water, its on nearly all surface areas of the tank. Especially in the filter. The best thing you can do is BE PATIENT. Let the tank cycle properly for at least 4 weeks. Should go 6. I know its exciting waiting for that new arrival but if you want the most healthy environment to put your puffer in, you need to properly cycle your tank. Not properly cycling seems to be one of the biggest problems people have. You are probably buying an F8 that is currently in fresh water? It will need brackish water for best health and longevity. Cycle it properly as fresh water then add your F8. After he is in and comfy slowly start raising the salinity of your tank by .002 per week. Not too quickly, you can kill your bacteria and possibly your puffer. F8's are best kept around 1.005-1.008 sg. There is a ton of info here on the forums and in the Pedia and library. If you havent poured through all the info here I highly recommend that you do. There are plenty of folk more than happy to answer your questions so ask if you have any doubts. As for cycling with fish, most folks frown upon it. There are other options but I personally use feeder fish. They are cheap and usually messy creating a good ammonia spike to get your cycle going. Throw a dozen in and you're set. Another option is putting in fish food every day like you are feeding a fish. The food will go bad and create an ammonia spike. You can also throw in a raw shrimp from the grocery and let it rot to start the cycle, then pull it out of the tank. Both the latter methods will require some clean up. Follow the advice here on the forums and you'll have no problems.

Exactly how are you attempting to cycle this thank?

Please read: library/water-filtration/fishless-cycling/

library/water-filtration/emergencycycle/