2nd Tank Startup

[wwpecker]

Hi folks

Have just got my second tank, 75 litre (I must be getting the fish bug)))

Have not even cleaned / filled it yet..Anyway, I was thinking of how to get things started. Which tank cycle is the best? (meaning fastest)) Ammonia fishless or simply move some filter medium gravel etc. from my established tank?? Anyone carried out fishless on 75 litre tank?

I assume if I do a fishless the plants go in after the cycle?

And if I'm going the fishless way, does anyone know of anywhere round these parts (Hull, Yorkshire, UK) where I can obtain ammonia?? ( Yep, I've had a read but I could not find any in Boots Chemist)

Thanks in advance

 

[vinylman]

Do you have a B&Q anywhere near?. I'd have thought they should stock ammonia. Just make sure it doesn't foam up when you shake the bottle, though.

 

[wwpecker]

Do you have a B&Q anywhere near?. I'd have thought they should stock ammonia. Just make sure it doesn't foam up when you shake the bottle, though.

Thanks for this vinylman, B & Q just round the corner))

 

[doresy]

Homebase is a deffo for ammonia (household dept) Do the fishless cycle and if you have some matured media to kick things off then all the better. Not a lot of baccy in the gravel so I wouldn't bother.
A good tip is to raise the temp to 85-90* to speed up baccy growth but remember this will also deplete oxygen levels so an air stone would be a must. (oh, remember to lower it when cycle is completed)

 

[martyn21uk]

do you still nees the air stone even if there is nothing else in there. Ie no plants, no fish?

 

[Teelie]

IMO the best way to set up a new tank the fastest way is to use filter media from an established filter and add the fish. Don't wait too long or you'll lose the bacteria though.

You don't need air stones at all unless your filter doesn't provide much or any surface agitation of the water.

 

[doresy]

do you still nees the air stone even if there is nothing else in there. Ie no plants, no fish?

Like I said, if you increase the temp to promote quicker bacteria growth then oxygen will be lowered. Bacteria need a steady flow of oxygenated water to flurish. Yes, if you have a good surface agitation then an airstone is not essential but if you have a pump then it wouldn't hurt to use it imo.

 

[doresy]

IMO the best way to set up a new tank the fastest way is to use filter media from an established filter and add the fish. Don't wait too long or you'll lose the bacteria though.

True, using matured filter media is very benificial and will speed up the cycling process but it is not a miracle cure. IMO it is not good to suggest getting a new tank, put in a bit of matured media then add fish

 

[martyn21uk]

Thanks Doresy. I wasn't aware of the bacteria needing a 'good' supply of oxygen as well, but I guess it makes sense if you think about it.

 

[doresy]

Thanks Doresy. I wasn't aware of the bacteria needing a 'good' supply of oxygen as well, but I guess it makes sense if you think about it.

You're welcome.......every living thing needs oxygen, it's what make the world go round (well that and money!) Matured media is great to have and to use but you still have to allow your filter to cycle and a 'fishless cycle' really is the best way to go. 'rdd1952' post on that subject is the bomb