Long-term effect of Bacteria?

[kurt]

Hi, I am cycling a 20 gallon tank with 3 zebra danios and a pearl danio. Last week my ammonia was 0, but nitrites were like 40 something like that and one of my fish seemed sick, so I did a water change and also added Cycle, because I was told it also neutralized the toxicity or something like that. I heard that it may not work but that was after I bought it, I had it here so I said what the hell and add it, well after reading more people that are against bacteria supplement, they say its better for the long term established tank, does this mean that the bacteria I added may disrupt or may cause changes in the bacteria colonies? I really dont care if the product not works, because it would be the same, I am just worried if it disrupts or causes problem when I already establish a thank. Does anyone knows something about this? Thanks!

[Damon]

People arent against bacterial suppliment. But what most stores sell is snake oil. It doesn't work. To my knowledge, there is only 1 true bacterial suppliment that can be bought in a bottle and that is Bio-spira. The rest just don't work. Nitrites are more harmful to fish than ammonia. Small waterchanges may slow down your cycle but it will be minimal. It will also help reduce the stress of your fish by reducing nitrites in the water. Most suggest doing a fishless cycle vs. bio-spira if this is your first tank to get you accustomed to the process.

[Bella]

I have a question for you, are you also using a dechloronator in your water? Because Cycle doesn't neutralize anything, it just adds beneficial bacteria to your tank. I used it when cyclling my tank, I don't think it really helps though. And no, it won't hurt anything

[mousey]

a bit a aquarium salt and extra oxygen into the tank will help your fish thru the nitrite part of the cycle. just remember to do a part water change when the cycle is complete.
I have used salt each time I cycle a tank thru the nitrite stage. You can actually see them start to breathe easier.
Mouse

[kurt]

Yeah, I know, I use dechlorinator always when adding water. What I mean was reduce the toxicity of nitrites because the product say it reduces fish lost. I havent checked the water to know if it works but I will and keep you posted. Thanks.

[Gunnie]

I don't think Cycle reduces the nitrites but I could be wrong. It won't hurt anything to add it since you already bought it. It may increase your nitrates though. Cycle is not the same as bio spira. It's supposed to have ingredients which help speed up the process of bacterial growth, but not cycle the tank instantly. I think we all have bought a bottle of cycle when we first started.