REMEMBER, IF THE FILTER OR ANYTHING "SEEDED/CYCLED" you buy should have an earthy smell or the smell of wet dirt in the rain. I check mine regularly and discard what doesn't have a strong smell.
This has been cycling in the aquarium for many 8+ weeks.
Verified seeded bacteria under a microscope.
This was in a 29-gallon aquarium housing 11 Serpae Tetras and 2 Mickey Mouse Platys.
I use API Water Conditioner & API Quick Start in this Aquarium. I also feed the fish Omega One Freshwater Flakes/Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp.
Substrate is Vigro Large River Rocks (Home Depot).
With an established solution added to the aquarium, it should speed up the process of cycling the aquarium to 1-2 weeks. (It could happen quicker, but nothing but a 100% tank transfer would be cycled in 1-2 days.)
When you add the filter to the aquarium, please place all contents in the filter box and do not vacuum the gravel or change the filter media for at least 2 weeks. You can change the water itself if needed.
Make sure all solution is added to the filter because even though it's murky/dirty looking, you could be tossing millions of bacteria.
**IF IT IS A FISHLESS CYCLE, MAKE SURE YOU ARE ADDING AMMONIA OR A FOOD SOURCE FOR THE BACTERIA, OR THEY WILL DIE OFF. PLEASE RESEARCH THIS PROPERLY!!**
**We are not responsible for fish loss.** **Make sure you know what you are doing/how the cycle works.**
Will be shipped via First Class Mail.