How To Make Cycling Easier On A Goldfish? Options

[Hamad]

I was away from home for about a year and while I was away I had a tank set up there and before coming back I gave away all the fish except one that I brought with me. I didn't really calculate things when I decided to bring the poor oranda with me.

I have a 2 ft tank that I filled with water already and I'm going to add the heater and a filter soon [didn't decide yet, I have many filters around and not sure which one to pick...might end up using two sponge filters cause it's not a large set up and just one 5" fish].

Now I know that once I put everything together and have the fish released inside, the next step is waiting for ammonia to rise and the cycle process begin. I really love this fish and I don't want to loose it or have it stressed up because of cycling the tank. I don't know anyone that has a tank to keep the fish with him/her so it's stuck with me.

Is there anyway to make the tank's cycle go easy on the fish? Like perhaps changing 50% of the water daily? Or maybe anyone have other suggestions that would keep the fish comfortable till the aquarium cycles?

Thanks...

[HappyBuddha]

I have two suggestions:

First, even if you intend to set up a canister filter system, put in those sponge filters first. I have noticed sponge cycles much quicker then bio-media such as ceramic or sinter glass. I don't know why this is so.

Secondly, maybe you want to consider cultivating green water. The fastest is to get some good green water from someone and seed your own with it. Within 2 days your tub should have matured green water that is perfect for your fish. I know about the possibility of diseases transmitted from someone else's green water... but if the green water is well kept... it should be relatively safe.

Failing which, I'd constantly change water like you mentioned to keep the ammonia level low. Although this would result in a longer cycling period, at least the fish will not be stressed.