| The most important part of conditioning your | | | | for the bacteria to grow and multiply at a normal |
| aquarium's water is setting up the nitrogen cycle. | | | | rate. The starter fish add fuel for the bacteria to |
| The start of the nitrogen cycle consists of using | | | | feed on, and will kick start the nitrogen cycle. |
| beneficial bacteria to convert toxic ammonia into | | | | Mature gravel: Add disease-free and mature |
| lesser toxic nitrites. Then a secondary type of | | | | gravel from an established aquarium. The nitrogen |
| bacteria further breaks down the lesser toxic | | | | cycle that is already in full operation leaves large |
| nitrites into even less harmful nitrates. | | | | bacteria populations on the surface of its |
| Unfortunately the aquarium's maturation cycle can | | | | substrate. Transferring these material into your |
| take up to 6 weeks. That is a long time to wait, | | | | new aquarium will act as an starter culture. |
| before you can confidently add more than two | | | | Commercial additives: Freeze-dried bacteria can be |
| fish into your tank. Without fearing that they will | | | | purchased as additives from your local pet store. |
| die due to new tank syndrome. | | | | These additives will help speed up the nitrogen |
| You can speed up this cycle by adding some or all | | | | cycle. Check the expiry date on these products, |
| of of the following items to your tank: | | | | and never use older products. Newer products will |
| Starter fish: The addition of one or two fish is a | | | | contain bacteria on pre-colonized mediums. |
| great way to start providing the minimum amount | | | | In my opinion those are the best 3 ways to |
| of waste for your tank. This waste is essential | | | | speed up your aquarium's maturation cycle. |