Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Artificial Lighting • Nitrite Testing • Carbon Dosing

Tank Cycling

Term from Aquarium Management industry explained for recruiters

Tank cycling is a fundamental process in aquarium setup and maintenance where helpful bacteria are established in the tank's filtration system. Think of it like creating a natural cleaning crew for the aquarium. When fish live in a tank, they produce waste that turns into harmful chemicals. Tank cycling creates a biological environment that breaks down these harmful chemicals into safer ones. This is essential knowledge for anyone working with aquariums, whether in home maintenance, public aquariums, or pet stores. You might also see this referred to as "nitrogen cycling" or "biological cycling."

Examples in Resumes

Successfully completed Tank Cycling for 20+ aquarium systems in a major public aquarium

Trained new staff on proper Tank Cycling and Nitrogen Cycle monitoring procedures

Managed Biological Cycling processes for sensitive marine species exhibits

Typical job title: "Aquarium Technicians"

Also try searching for:

Aquarist Fish Specialist Aquarium Maintenance Technician Marine Specialist Aquarium Curator Pet Store Aquatics Specialist

Where to Find Aquarium Technicians

Online Communities

Professional Networks

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a cycling emergency in a large commercial aquarium system?

Expected Answer: A senior aquarist should explain their systematic approach to identifying the problem, implementing immediate solutions like water changes, using backup systems, and having preventive measures in place. They should also mention staff training and documentation procedures.

Q: How do you establish cycling procedures for different types of aquatic systems?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of adapting cycling methods for freshwater, marine, and specialized systems, including monitoring protocols and staff training procedures.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What parameters do you monitor during the cycling process and why?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain monitoring of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels in simple terms, and describe proper testing procedures and record-keeping.

Q: How do you know when a tank has completed its cycling process?

Expected Answer: Should explain the signs of a completed cycle, including stable readings, time frames, and testing procedures to confirm completion.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is tank cycling and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain in simple terms how tank cycling establishes beneficial bacteria and why this is necessary for fish health.

Q: What are the basic steps of cycling a new aquarium?

Expected Answer: Should describe the fundamental process of adding ammonia source, monitoring levels, and waiting for bacterial colonies to establish.