Using Fish To Cycle A Tank

[SeaWitch]

So, I have heard of some people who buy "cheap" fish to cycle their tanks with.  They usually use the "feeder-type" GF that you can get for $1 or less and then, if the fish die from the cycling process, they don't care as they didn't spend much money on the feeders anyway.  I have also heard of people using tropicals to cycle a tank.

What is your opinions on this?  Vote in the poll and then give your reasons here!

[zookey]

Well Nickie......... I answered No Never..... but that makes me feel a bit like a hypocrit.  I  unknowingly have subjected fish to the cycling process.  And now that I have the knowlege I should never have to subject another fish to that as I always have extra filters/media to transfer to quickly cycle a tank/tub for a fish in need.  I also have the knowlege on how to do a fishless cycle -- something I never knew before and no petstore will ever tell you about!

[SeaWitch]

I guess I should have clarified more in my post.  I should have said that people who know better use live fish to cycle their tanks with.

I also should have stated that there are safe ways to cycle with fish, but I think we all know that doing a fishless cycle is the best way.

When I first started out, I had to cycle my tank with Jaws and Hammy in it (had no where else for them to go), but I made sure to check my water params twice a day, did massive wcs everyday to keep ammonia and nitrites as low as possible, and also used Prime.  I kep my ammonia so low that it took 5 months to cycle the tank!  

The ppl I am talking about dump these poor fish in the tanks, do NOT change the water when the ammonia and other toxins get too high, and basically KILL the fish to cycle their tanks.

[kirstabelle]

I don't understand how anyone could ever condemn any animal in their care to death, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant  I said no, never because I would never intentionally buy fish to cycle a tank with. I think there could be various gray areas about cycling with fish, but I wouldn't do it on purpose for the sole purpose of getting a cycled tank at the end.

[Juavichar]

Depends on the situation and how dedicated you are to the cause.

I won't lie - When I was younger I had tanks that I never cycled because I didn't KNOW there was such a thing. I never even tested my water. I never thought about it - My fish were fine, none of them died. I had them for over 5 years before I gave them back to the pet store because I got tired with the hobby. my mother, who hasn't ever cycled a tank before either, still has her 30 gallon with fish that were originally still in there (about 7 years now?) And they are fine.

Most young people don't really know about the process, and neither do their parents, so getting a fish is a 'safe' pet. If it dies, it dies, is the general census. In fact, most people buy first and ask questions later with ALL pets. Even dogs and cats, in my experience.

I don't know - I wouldn't do it on purpose if I can avoid it, and I marked No, Never, but if the person knows what they are doing and there's a reason (someone is moving and needs to re-home fish or there is some kind of tank issue or SOMETHING, I don't know) I can see it being done.

[kirstabelle]

If not for google I would have had no idea about cycling a tank either, and definitely wouldn't have known about fishless cycling. Google to the rescue 

[SeaWitch]

Depends on the situation and how dedicated you are to the cause.

I won't lie - When I was younger I had tanks that I never cycled because I didn't KNOW there was such a thing. I never even tested my water. I never thought about it - My fish were fine, none of them died. I had them for over 5 years before I gave them back to the pet store because I got tired with the hobby. my mother, who hasn't ever cycled a tank before either, still has her 30 gallon with fish that were originally still in there (about 7 years now?) And they are fine.

Most young people don't really know about the process, and neither do their parents, so getting a fish is a 'safe' pet. If it dies, it dies, is the general census. In fact, most people buy first and ask questions later with ALL pets. Even dogs and cats, in my experience.

I don't know - I wouldn't do it on purpose if I can avoid it, and I marked No, Never, but if the person knows what they are doing and there's a reason (someone is moving and needs to re-home fish or there is some kind of tank issue or SOMETHING, I don't know) I can see it being done.

This is still not the same as a person deliberately buying a fish for the sole purpose of them cycling their tanks for the "better GF" that they plan to put in it afterwards.  I am talking about ppl who buy these poor fish, plop them in the tank and NEVER do a wc or anything for them.  Just let them sit in ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates that run sky high until the tank cycles.  By the time the tank does cycle, the poor fish are usually about dead, or have already died and others have taken their place to continue the cycling process.  The fish are bought for the ammonia they produce for the beneficial bacteria.  That is it.  They are not even considered living animals, just...tools.  It is sick, IMO.  

[Juavichar]

No, I would NEVER advocate or personally use a living fish for the purpose of cycling a tank without regard for its well-being.

[Lolafish]

 

[Johnny Boy]

i prefer to get some dead feeder goldfish or a shrimp or two from the bait store.

[Natman3400]

If i ever use fish to start a completely new cycle with, i will use wild guppies and keep the levels acceptable. That applies to any salt water tanks i may get. up until today i didn't know that guppies could live in a saltwater tank, which i find strange.If possible i will do a fishless cycle though, but most of the times i cant get the ammonia here, it all has soaping agents.