Hola

[ollyhtafc]

Just set up a 10g tank...got my filter and heater up just waiting for the sand to settle before i start cycling.
Few questions i'm hoping someone can help me with:

I have an aquaclear filter-it comes with barely any instructions so can anyone tell me wether you submerse the whole thing?

Has anyone ever used 'Stress zyme' 'biological filtration booster' product when cycling? I bought it due to not having access to any mature filter media or anything so i'm hoping it'll provide everything i need, i plan on keeping shrimp too but it doesn't have a list of ingredients and i know they can sometimes be sensitive to metals i think?

Should i put an oxygen tablet in my cycling tank? Do the bacteria need oxygen?

one last one:

Where will i be able to find suitable rocks and wood to use, i've read the FAQ's but i can't help but feel ripped off when you pay money for a bit of old wood or some rocks.Maybe i'm just cheap.hah

By the way: i've lurked on this site for about a year now...so anything i know is from here hah
thanks all!

 

[A creature void of form]

I'm, new to this - but here's my input:


* The flow of the filter should be about 1cm below the surface, gushing water out in a diagonal direction accross the tank.

* The 'Stress Zyme' is unlikely to have much benificial effect, but it cannot do any harm trying it (apart from to your pocket!)

* As you have a small tank, you needn't bother wiht the oxygenating tablets - the filter will do that suffiently.

* I'd stick to buying wood and rocks from your lfs (local fish store) only. Natural rocks and timber could well be harmful to your tank. They can be pricey but a 10G shouldn't be too costly.

 

[SJ2K]

For somone who claims to be new to this that was a pritty spot on response, good job

+1

 

[A creature void of form]

Hey thanks man, I must be learning a few things!

 

[ollyhtafc]

The stress zyme says it contains live bacteria and it was sold as a tropical start up kit...if that is unlikely to work, what should i do to get the bacteria needed, into my tank?

I got a dechlorinator as well in this pack...

Thanks for the reply! Really helpfull.

I'm a student you see...and i've always wanted fish, but my point is...where there is money to be saved...i'm up for it (salvaginbg wood and whatnot) but if the risk outweighs the benefit i'll stick to my LFS (Petsmart)

 

[A creature void of form]

The stress zyme says it contains live bacteria and it was sold as a tropical start up kit...if that is unlikely to work, what should i do to get the bacteria needed, into my tank?

I got a dechlorinator as well in this pack...

Thanks for the reply! Really helpfull.

I'm a student you see...and i've always wanted fish, but my point is...where there is money to be saved...i'm up for it (salvaginbg wood and whatnot) but if the risk outweighs the benefit i'll stick to my LFS (Petsmart)

The bacteria are already present in the tap water, and will migrate to inside your filter. I cycled my tank with just regular declorinated tap water and a source of pure Ammonia. I'm no expert on this, but I've read numerous times that 'bottled bacteria' are unlikely to contain live, nitrite munching bacteria, and it is more of a commercial product than anything else. However, it can do no harm and may speed up your cycle. Mine took 8 weeks - longer than average - so yours could be done quicker. The declorinator - sorry if you already knew this - is essential to add to the water before you put in your tank.

At any rate, what you're aiming for is a specific amount of Ammonia and Nirtrite munching bacteria in your filter. There is an excellent pinned thread about Cycling at the top of this forum, which is what I followed to the letter.

I was a student but graduated last year, so I emphasise very much about the costs! I stick by what I said though. 1 peice of Bogwood should be about £4-6 and the rocks and substrate about another £10. It is well worth it because you know it'll be safe.

 

[ollyhtafc]

I added the dechlorinator after the water went into the tank, but no fish are present, and the filter is new, and i think the chlorine in the water kills bacteria on your filter...but see'ing as though mine has none..it should be ok.I hope.I think. Haha.

Right..next step..source of ammonia!

Thanks for your help.

 

[ollyhtafc]

Can i ask, what is the smallest shell dweller?