fishless cycling

Question
QUESTION: hi again
am i correct in assuming that the water in a new tank being readied for cycling is to be treated during the 3-4 week period...and not just tap water.(to eliminate chlorides, etc)

ANSWER: Hi Alan,
Fill your tank with tap water, and let it cycle on it's own for 3-4 weeks. Add the right amount of water conditioner.  No other chemicals should be added.  Check after this time for Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates.  Your ammonia level should be zero, your nitrites, zero, and your nitrates safe.  You can buy these small test kits at your Pet Store, or Walmart, and they should be number one in your fish cabinet.  Making sure your water chemistry is right is the most important factor in fish keeping, along with a good diet for your fish.
Once your water chemistry is perfect, add fish slowly like I wrote you in previous mail.  Your water should always be free of ammonia, free of nitrites, and nitrates should always be low.  Ammonia, and Nitrites are the number one killer of fish, so it is very important not to have any in your tank water.  Products do not remove ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates, it is a waste of money. Use a good water conditioner to remove chlorine, and add no other products.  Once your water chemistry is right, do 25% water changes every week, always using a good water conditioner such as "Stress Coat" or "AquaPlus"  and you will have no problems.  
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi lynda
i guess it is complicated so you can make it as simple as you want.
without fish to provide "food" for the beneficial bacteria, what do the bateria use to continue to grow...where does the ammonia comes from..and the nitrites...and where do the bacteria come from...the air?
as always...thank you.
i did use fish in cycling my first 14 gallon tank but i didnt know any better..relied on the guy in the lps.

Answer
I do not believe in using fish to cycle a tank.  This is almost sending the poor fish to his death, and making him miserable for a month or so.  Most pet stores say this is the only way...not so.
It would be too long to explain all of this to you, but I will tell you that a handful of old gravel, or a used sponge is the best way to start your tank.  Most pet stores will sell you a used sponge to put in your filter, and give you a handful of gravel from their established tanks.  Buy a sponge that is made for your filter.  (Sorry, I should have mentioned this to you in my first letter)  A used sponge is full of good bacteria, and will last you a long long time.  Later, when cleaning your filter, rinse your sponge in the water you have removed from your tank, and put it back in your filter.  Never rinse it in hot water, or tap water as it would kill the good bacteria.  Change your sponge when it is old, and ragged, and falling apart.  Pet Stores don't tell you this, but it is the best way to cycle, and have good bacteria in your tank.
Lynda