Cycling Not Working?

[Miss Wiggle]

You're right. Why rush it now when i've waited so long.

I was stressing a bit trying to work out how to get the fish on a week day and do a water change and make sure it doesn't go too long with out an ammonia source.

Martyn

best to do it when you've plenty of time

 

[martyn413]

Pet shops close between 5.30 - 6pm which is difficult because i finish work at 4.30 and have to get back to Hove from Crawley.

The only other pet shop open is pets at home which is 9 miles away (in Worthing).

The problem i have is on Saturdays i travel up to Berkshire to see family which means i cannot dose the tank with ammonia.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I can see how that's awkward!

I'd skip visiting the family for one week, but that's just me! at any rate it's infinitely best to do it when you've got at least a full morning/afternoon to do it in, just have to fit that into your schedule somewhere!

 

[martyn413]

Sounds like an excuse for a day off work or working from home and on me mobile. lol

 

[Miss Wiggle]

Sounds like an excuse for a day off work or working from home and on me mobile. lol

good lad, that's the thinking i like!

 

[martyn413]

Hi there,

Water tests form 6.30am this morning (10/5/07)

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 10

The ammonia is gone within 12 hours.
I've put more ammonia in the tank this morning.

I finish work early on Friday (1pm so will be home before 2) and will do water change then get some fish.

Martyn

 

[Miss Wiggle]

good stuff, what fish you planning on getting?

 

[martyn413]

Hi Miss Wiggle,

As my tank is small, i don't want to get big fish as its cruel so i may get neon tetras (about 5), some other tetras and some corys. I might get panda corys.

The fishless cycle takes time and dedication but it's worth it. Going to have fun telling the lfs that i've done a fishless cycle.

What tetras or fish of same size would go nice with neons and corys?

Martyn

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yeah we've had problems with lfs completely not knowing about fishless cycling before and refusing to sell people a near full fish load for they're tank. if they turn around and say they won't sell you what you want don't just get the few fish they recommend, you'll un-do some of your hard work and have to be very careful when you add more fish in a few weeks.

in a tank your size you're right to go with one of the smaller species of cories, however panda's are notoriously delicate, by all means get some but leave it a couple of months first or you'll just loose them all.

i would get cardinals instead of neons, virtually identical but much hardier.

most tetra's or rasbora's would be fine in your tank, just check the adult size as some get to 3/4" which is a bit big. However most lfs's will carry a good selection of them around that size, just see what they have and what takes your fancy.

personally i like rummy nose tetra's

 

[martyn413]

I really like the rummy nose - i may have to get some.

Thanks for the heads up on the corys. I setup a tropical tank for my mum last may and do all the maintenance (didn't do fishless cycle and learned the hard way). Put corys in last - only got one from the 4 i bought because of the lack of info i was given by lfs.

I might lie to them (i only tell white lies) and say my tank has been up for years and it's 200 litres.

Martyn

 

[martyn413]

Hi Everyone,

Well my tank has cycled (thanks to Rdd1952 and Miss Wiggle) and I've put some fish in my tank.

I've got 4 Neon Tetras and 5 Black Neon Tetras.

There is a fantastic fish store in Hove (Brighton) called fishey Business - It has everything, I saw a puffer - really cute. There is so much choise. The only bad thing is there is no parking - I parked in a side street with a mate waiting in the car just in case any traffic voodoos are on the loose.

I've decided to get some galaxy rasboras because there are really nice.

Martyn