Is it okay to cycle with a filter?

[Frosty]

I have recently started shrimp cycling my 10 gallon and am wondering should the tank be heated or have the filter on?

[sdlTBfanUK]

I would say yes to both would be best, but definitely the filter as that is where the bacteria do their best work, and you probably may not need the heater as it is your summer but generally the bacteria need the warmth to flourish and multiply - as I say though, you may not need a heater if the water is warm enough!

Simon

[Frosty]

Thanks Simon. Filter is on from now, and I’m not gonna worry about a heater just yet, as the temp has been sitting at around 22 degrees all day.

[Frosty]

One more thing I just did a water test and found ammonia and nitrate should I remove the shrimp?

Sorry Nitrite

[Zoidburg]

The tank should be empty of inhabitants while you are cycling the tank.

Supposedly, setting the heater to about 28-29 C can help cycle a tank faster, but once cycled, you can remove the heater.

[Frosty]

No I mean dead shrimp for ammonia it’s cooked now just wondering should I leave it in?

[pastu]

Leave it in as a Constant source of armonía to créate a good bacterial colony in your filter