Fishless Cycling
Preferred method. Add ammonia, wait 4 to 6 weeks, add fish.
No stress to living creatures during process.
Allows heavy initial stocking when complete.
Fish-In Cycling
Stock very lightly (1 or 2 hardy fish per 10 gallons).
Daily water changes 25% and daily Prime dose to detox ammonia.
Takes same 4 to 6 weeks but with daily labor.
Bottled Bacteria
Seachem Stability, Fritz Zyme 7, API Quick Start.
Speed up fishless cycle to 1 to 2 weeks.
Do not mask need for water changes during fish-in.
Seeded Media
Best shortcut. A friend donates filter media from an established tank.
Tank becomes near-instant functional.
Caution: also transfers any disease or snails present.
Cycling with Plants
Dense live plant tank can safely hold fish from day one.
Plants consume ammonia directly.
Stock slowly and monitor.