⚠️ NEVER add fish during a fishless cycle!

The ammonia and nitrite levels are purposely high to grow beneficial bacteria fast. Those levels are toxic and stressful to fish — even hardy ones. Adding fish now can cause burns, disease, or worse. Your fish deserve a fully cycled, safe home from day one.

How the cycle actually works (super simple):

• 🟦 Week 1–2: You add a tiny bit of ammonia → bacteria start eating it and make nitrite
• 🟥 Week 2–3: A second group of bacteria eats the nitrite and turns it into nitrate (mostly harmless)
• ✅ Cycle is finished when: You add 1 ppm ammonia and 24 hours later BOTH ammonia AND nitrite = 0 ppm (nitrate will be present)

Pro tip: Take a screenshot or photo of this page — or come in we’ll print it in color for free! Everything you need for a perfect cycle is available at Nature Aquariums.