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question about cycling

2106 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Lupin, 
Tracy
Okay, was just reading the advice Blue was giving Bryson re: his new tank. I am wondering -- if you get your biological filter started by obtaining filter media or gravel or ornaments from an established tank, but there are no fishes in your new tank because you are waiting for it to cycle, how do the bacteria survive? Remember, I'm the guilty person who swears by using the "Cycle" product! I was told that you don't use Cycle unless the fish are already in there, because the bacteria need to feed off the fishes wastes. So, if you add filter media from an established tank, but you have no fish, would not the same hold true? What will the bacteria survive on?
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SKAustin
crazie.eddie said:
Most of those bacteria starters you mentioned, such as cycle, DO WORK, but the only problem is, the bacteria found in them IS NOT the same bacteria found in an established tank. Therefore, the only way to make keep the bacteria colony established is to continously add the bacteria, which can get expensive.

Bio-Spira is supposed to contain benificial bacteria found in natural tanks and many breeders, especially discus keepers swear by them. I'm a factual person, so I like to see scientific studies on Bio-Spira to see if this is true or not.
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Ask and you shall recieve. Here is a link to the research findings of Dr. Timothy Hovanec, Chief Science Officer of Marineland Labs. http://www.marineland.com/science/nspira.asp The articles are spread throughout a few different pages so you will need to follow the links around for different information. Additionally, Bio-Spira has a shelf life/expiration date and requires refridgeration. The bacteria are packaged/stored in a dormant state and require very little to survive. How things survive in a dormant state for several months? I have no clue, but they do. Just look at the African Lungfish, which creates a mud shell encasing itself where it will survive for several months in a bone dry riverbed until the rainy season returns.
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