Before we get started we should first understand why a tank should be cycled, and then apply that knowledge in how to cycle a freshwater aquarium.

The long-term solution to cyano and algae is adding competing bacteria back into your aquarium that will consume nutrients and then removing those organisms, thereby removing the nutrients from the system. It’s not as hard as it sounds!

The way you cycle your aquarium can actually impact its success long term. We discussed the pros and cons of a fishless cycle vs. cycling with fish and how to control the uglies in a new aquarium with Dr. Timothy A. Hovanec, the founder of DrTim’s Aquatics.