Topic: How do I determine if a tank is cycled?

[Yipee]

Well I have set up this tank since 23 August 2009. The ammonia readings state below 0.02ppm and I did a water change on 24. There is a piece of wood which will not sink so I use some rocks to hold it down. A large centre piece rock, 4 potted twisted vallis and 1 Amazon Sword Plant.

[LittlePuff]

You need to add an ammonia source daily. When your readings are: ammonia 0, NitrIte 0, and you start having nitrates. Your cycle will be complete. 

[Yipee]

Oh Okay, will fish food do as an ammonia source?

[wendyjo]

Yes.

[Aiptasia]

It's more humane to do a fishless cycle, as ammonia and nitrites are toxic to aquarium fish. Very few fish can survive a tank cycle. Have a look in our articles section under "ABC's" for some great articles on how to do a fishless cycle. There's a link to our articles section at the top left of every page in the forums, just under the green bar.

[Yipee]

It's more humane to do a fishless cycle, as ammonia and nitrites are toxic to aquarium fish. Very few fish can survive a tank cycle. Have a look in our articles section under "ABC's" for some great articles on how to do a fishless cycle. There's a link to our articles section at the top left of every page in the forums, just under the green bar.

Yes, I am doing a fishless cycle. Today I discovered algae on the piece of wood so I took it out and scrubbed it clean. I don't get it, am I supplying too much light? Should I get more plants?

[FreshwaterTank]

More plants are a good idea as they compete with algae

[Cholly]

If you have phosphates in your water(like I do here in Spokane), I have found that you're more likely to have algae problems. To help keep it in check, I have found that aponogeton bulbs grow very fast and out compete the algae. In mature tank water, some varieties grow so fast that you can see a difference in amount of growth 2 to 3 hours after they first sprout.
And yes, fish food is an excellent source of ammonia.