Tank cycle and maintenance

tdOtjunior

So I'm back at Petsmart and I originally purchased Prime last weekend because I have read good things about the product on here. I'm back so that I can purchase a plant to add (live). I happen to be having a conversation with the employee on what type of food to feed silver tip sharks, and she says that I should be using regular water conditioner and aquarium salt to cycle the tank as well as water changes! Ugggggggh I just want to do what's healthy for My babies! Help!!

AbbeysDad

Well Prime is a regular water conditioner, we generally don't want salt in fresh water and yes water changes are okay during a cycle - you'll especially want a water change if/when there is an ammonia spike.

Byron

Yes, ignore that. I know where she's coming from with the salt and nitrite, but it is not necessary and can cause even worse trouble. At least she suggests water changes.

Take daily readings of ammonia and nitrite, do a 50% water change on alternate days using Prime if either is above zero. Yuor plant will be fine; if the tank is fairly well planted, it shoudl "cycle" on its own.

Byron.