2 Week holiday, Perfect for Cycle!

[Natonstan]

So I've been wanting to get another Aquarium going so I've got a 2 week Holiday coming up if I kept the filter and heater running the whole time I'm away could I essentially be running a cycle which would be ready for fish when I get back ( A Few days after I returned )

[andy007]

Hi

No, as there would be no waste product being introduced to the tank for the filter to cycle on How are you cycling the tank?

[andy007]

Oh, there is something you may be able to do. I know some people have used dead prawns to introduce a waste product, but as i haven't done it that way i'll let someone else advise.

[xyra]

how about dropping a few prawns in to rot over the two weeks. maybe get someone to drop around and add an extra prawn half way through?

edit: snap.

[andy007]

Originally Posted by xyra

how about dropping a few prawns in to rot over the two weeks. maybe get someone to drop around and add an extra prawn half way through?

edit: snap.

LOL that idea just dawned on me too

[vashe]

Well you could always use a automatic feeder. Its better then haveing a decaying prawn in your tank lol

[andy007]

Thats the whole idea For the prawn to decay, thus producing ammonia to cycle the filter. I believe people put the prawn in a stocking so as it doesn't litter the tank
Auto feeders are expensive for a good reliable one, and the food released would only be decaying like the prawn

[Natonstan]

Thanks for the ideas! So I just pop some prawns in there before I go, If needed my grandparents are a few streets up and they have experience in Tropical fish any ways so I could get them to drop by to put some in.

[andy007]

Hi
Like i said, i haven't personally done it, but you need to put a couple in a net bag so the rotting prawn doesn't get all over the tank. Not sure exactly how many you need to use though, just remember reading about this way

[Natonstan]

I'll have to do some research, I'm not leaving until the start of August so I have some time, Just thought it would be a good idea to make use of the time, It'll probably be a week after I return when I think about getting fish anyway so It should be running a good 3 weeks total