How to cycle with Bio-Spira™
  
  • Set-up a tank with filter, gravel, any decorations and heater (not needed for some goldfish). Be sure that you are using tank and filter sizes and aeration that are appropriate for the fish that you plan on housing in this tank.
  • Be sure to remove any carbon used in the filter or other ammonia, nitrite or nitrate absorbing pad.
  • Fill your tank with tap water. Bio-Spira™ works best in water temperatures of 60*-87*F (16*–31*C) and in pH ranging from 7.0 to 8.5.
  • Add dechlorinator/dechloraminator of choice . Water must be conditioned before using Bio-Spira™ or the bacteria will die from the chlorine or chloramines normally present in tap water. However, ammonia-removing products like Ammo-Lock and Bio-Safe, which will give the bacteria of Bio-Spira nothing to feed on, must be avoided. However, water conditioners such as AmQuel®, Prime™ and Ammonia Detox may still used and should be used if you have to neutralize chloramines in your tap water.
  • In order for Bio-Spira™ to work, there must be a source of ammonia, therefore most keepers add Bio-Spira when adding the fish into a new aquarium.
  • Be sure to shake the Bio-Spira™ bag well before you add it!
  • The average time for cycling when using the proper amount of Bio-Spira™ is about 1-4 days, with nitrite and ammonia levels not exceeding .25 ppm, though your mileage may vary!
  • Cloudiness is sometimes seen about 24-48 hours afterwards. This “bacterial bloom” will go away in a day or two, once sufficient quantities of the bacteria have settled in the gravel, filter, etc. and out of the water column.
  • The nitrates then slowly build, usually starting at about 5 ppm after 24 hours and ending around 20 ppm in a week or so. This rate will be dependent however on a number of factors, including the number and size of fish, live plants, the size of the tank, etc.
  • Some keepers do find small jumps in nitrite and ammonia (usually under 1 ppm) over a period of two weeks while the nitrate builds, then the tank becomes stable.