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Establishing the Biological Filter

Cycling a Saltwater Aquarium

By Stan & Debbie Hauter, About.com Guides

There are a number of methods for establishing the biological filter (also known as cycling) in a saltwater aquarium.

What Is A "Biological Filter"?

You hear people talking about their "Biological Filter" a lot, but do you really know what it is? The answer may surprise you. You probably have more biological filtration in your tank than you know.

What is the Nitrogen Cycling Process?

An easy-to-understand explanation of what the nitrogen or biological cycle is and how it works to keep your aquarium functioning properly.

What is the biological cycle and how does it work?

FAQ - What is the biological cycle and how does it work? An explanation of what the biological cycle is and how it works in a saltwater aquarium.

Cycle a New Tank

There are a number of ways to cycle a new saltwater aquarium.

You can also cycle your tank using commercially available Nitrifying Bacteria. Some of these products will cycle the tank in 24 hours.

How To Speed Up The Nitrogen Cycling Process

Methods on how to speed up the nitrogen cycling process by seeding a new saltwater aquarium with some mature bacteria from various sources.

Biological Filtration Poll

Participate in this poll created by your About Guides to tell them and other aquarists what main source of biological filtration your system runs on, or just view the polling results to get a consensus on which type is most often chosen.

Tank Cycling Methods Poll

Participate and view the results of this poll that your About Guides have created to see which methods hobbyists have used most often for cycling a new saltwater aquarium.

Top Nitrifying Bacteria Starter Picks

Read brief product reviews and compare prices on what your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums consider to be some to the top nitrifying bacteria starters on the market that can help speed up the cycling process of a newly set up aquarium.

My Tank Has Finished Cycling - Now What?

Now that your new saltwater aquarium has reached the end of the nitrogen cycling process and completed its task of establishing the beginning of your tank's biological filter base, what do you do next? If you are not careful, you could find yourself back on square one.

FAQ

FAQ - Should I do a water change while my aquarium is cycling? -FAQ - Find the answer, here.