Jerry: If you stop feeding the tank you stop producing (for the most part) ammonia and nitrite. Better to have your fish go hungry for a few days or a week while you get the problem under control than to have them die from the poisoning. Might as well mention that I've actually had good results using Cycle in these cases, though I too prefer the more natural methods mentioned for establishing the bacteria. Steev ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com. For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help, email apisto-request@listbox.com. Search http://www.digital.com for "Apistogramma Mailing List Archives"!