Yes, but we don’t recommend either method. Adding ammonium chloride or fish food to a new, empty aquarium usually results in excess ammonia concentrations, which prolong the cycle and add unnecessary pollution. Fluval Cycle Biological Enhancer contains organic matter for the bacteria to consume, effectively establishing a nitrogen cycle. If you already have a healthy aquarium, transfer some established filter media from it to your new tank and dose with Fluval Cycle Biological Enhancer. Remember to stock a new aquarium slowly to not overload the biological filtration.

Frequent dosing of Cycle Biological Enhancer helps to maintain a safe, biologically-stable environment by adding in beneficial nitrifying bacteria. Without regular supplementation of this product, less desirable bacteria can dominate your tank and increase the risk of ammonia and nitrite spikes. Use Cycle Biological Enhancer weekly for optimal conditions, and in particular during water changes and filter media changes.