My Very First Tank...

[Iwantsomefish]

I have been following the thread and it's a pain having to read through it all to find out requested information when it could be anywhere in the thread.
 
est to do the wait and drop method rather than top-up daily method. That way you'll know when bacteria are actually developing - the more you do water changes at this stage the longer the process will be as you are diluting the bacteria's food source by doing so and therefore they will only develop to what food (ammonia) is available. They don't know that's it's you adding the ammonia - to them it could be a small number of fish peeing and pooping. If you put in slightly more ammonia you'll get slightly more bacteria developing (altho the old figure of 5ppm has now been reduced to 2ppm as a good level to aim for.) This is why it is good policy to add only a couple of fish at a time when it's fully cycled and wait for a couple of weeks then check the water parameters before adding another couple of fish and so on. The bacteria then get chance to grow with the slowly increasing fish population. If too many fish go in too quickly the bacteria won't be able to cope with the sudden increase in ammonia.

 
Yeah, that's why I was saying it's still the same ammonia as at the beginning, save you going through it all )
 
Anyway, so as the ammonica was down to 0.25 yesterday evening, I pushed it up to 3ppm and today evening (24hrs later) it's down to 0.5 ppm. I also checked the nitrItes which I think are rocketing as it turned purple in about 2 seconds in the test tube and it's very pink. NitrAtes are about 40pmm give or take. So it looks like it's processing the ammonia a bit quicker now but I know I need to have the nitrite come down to 0 and they must be way off that.
 
I hope it won't be too much longer to complete the cycle - I'm so excited to start thinking about putting fish in there. Instead of chemicals.

 

[Mamashack]

Stick with it - it  will be worth it in the end. Don't spoilt the ship for a ha'peth of tar as the saying goes! lol

 

[Billiemay]

I wouldn't recommend keeping any other fish with a betta, as only you may read that they can live in little bowls of water and with other fish but after I spoke to different breeders about keeping a betta they have always said best bet is on their own, as each individual fish has their own requirement like a betta likes warm water of 28c slightly acidic, need warm air above water and also remember after adding all your decorations the volume of water has decreased and cardinals need to be keen y in shoals of 6or more and a betta and an gourami there simply would be no room. Hope I've helped best of luck keep us updated!

 

[Iwantsomefish]

I still have very high nitrite levels.
I did a water change last night, 60% ish, but yet still the level is so high it goes pink on the API kit.
Shall I do more water changes or just wait some more?
Eagles and RCA - where you both gone?
Have my tales of chemicals and test tubes for weeks on end put you to sleep?

 

[SamB]

From what I've read and can tell.. that means your ammonia portion of the cycle is done, and you're about to start the nitrite to nitrate portion, which takes a little longer.

 

[Iwantsomefish]

Hi,
 
To those who are still keeping an eye on this thread, I do belive that I might have finished my fishless cycle but I'd love it if some experienced fish keepers, particuarly oracles on cycling can confirm for me.
 
As may have been seen above I was having trouble with bright pink tubes of nitrites that just weren't changing and I just got sick and tired of it so just abandonned my tank to fend for itself so for about 4 days I didn't test levels or add ammonia. So on Sunday morning I decided to check and I had no ammonia and no nitrites and bright red nitrates which I am guessing is about 100ppm.
 
So then I put 1ml of ammonia Kleenoff style in the tank which i think would have taken it to the desirable 2ppm leve. Roughly 24 hours later it was back at ammonia zero and nitrite zero and nitrate c.100ppm. I then had to rush off the work so just squeezed some ammonia in the tank without measuring but the next day ammonia was at 4ppm so I guess I put in quite a bit and it took 36 hours to clear, This morning I put a measured 1ml of ammonia in and I think it's all cleared through.
 
Does this sound about right? Is the cycle completed? Can I go get fish now? 
 
If I can consider it's all done, what do I do now? I know I need to put the temp down though to what I am unsure - 26degrees ok? and a large water change - is it 90%?
 
Does it matter where I get the fish from? Pets at Home is the more convenient, the only other major fish stockist I know is Maidenhead and it's a bit of a way away.
 
But first is my cycle all done I suppose?
 
Also, I always notice ammonia looks slightly green tinge like 0.25 rather than 0.0 but I assumed that was a bit of inaccuracy - to be sure I tested bottled water and they were the same colour post test.
 
PS Thanks to those who have helped so far.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I'd suggest adding 2ppm daily of ammonia and if it clears in 12 hours each day for a full week (or at least a work week - 5 days) then I'd give the go ahead.  Your dosing as been a bit sporadic, so this "confirmation" week just ensures that the bacteria are robust enough to handle a load of fish.  Better safe than sorry.  You've waited this long a few more days to confirm things is really better than jumping in too soon, even if its a day or two.  The stress of moving from one tank to another means the fish produce a bit of excess ammonia early on, so its better to be sure than to jump the gun a bit.  Patience is the most important trait a fishkeeper can possess.

 

[Mamashack]

Best to measure your ammonia then there are no variables and you know your test results will be relatively accurate
You may be getting ready to do decent water change 50% at least - when I was preparing my tank and the nitrAtes got to that level the cycle stalled and only took off again after a water change. Just something to be aware of.
Glad your tank is making some progress and you've stuck with it - your future fish will be healthier for it!

 

[RCA]

I wouldn't recommend keeping any other fish with a betta, as only you may read that they can live in little bowls of water and with other fish but after I spoke to different breeders about keeping a betta they have always said best bet is on their own, as each individual fish has their own requirement like a betta likes warm water of 28c slightly acidic, need warm air above water and also remember after adding all your decorations the volume of water has decreased and cardinals need to be keen y in shoals of 6or more and a betta and an gourami there simply would be no room. Hope I've helped best of luck keep us updated!

 
Bettas are all individuals and it depends on the Betta you end up getting.  I agree that the ideal is that breeders would keep them on their own, however for the average hobbyist we do tend to mix other inhabitants with the Betta.  Some of my boys are fine with the other fish in with them, others are not.  Best thing is to have plenty of plants and places to hide, that way the Betta gets exercised or bored of chasing things.  Amano Shrimp are great little workers too, and as long as they have places to hide in the Betta cannot get them, they are very quick.  Stock slowly and be prepared to remove other inhabitants if the Betta does not take to them or you see the Betta being nipped.
 
 

I still have very high nitrite levels.
I did a water change last night, 60% ish, but yet still the level is so high it goes pink on the API kit.
Shall I do more water changes or just wait some more?
Eagles and RCA - where you both gone?
Have my tales of chemicals and test tubes for weeks on end put you to sleep?

 
Sorry I have not been around on the TFF until recently as a family friend had a stroke and I have been visiting the hospital/care home, here is hoping she makes a full recovery.  I also have had a lot of work men at the house so they need my attention to!  As before, if you need me urgently PM me and then I am more likely to pick up the message.
 
Have you tested your source water, as mine has very high NitrAtes, so water changes etc., make no difference.
 
 

Hi,
 
To those who are still keeping an eye on this thread, I do belive that I might have finished my fishless cycle but I'd love it if some experienced fish keepers, particuarly oracles on cycling can confirm for me.
 
As may have been seen above I was having trouble with bright pink tubes of nitrites that just weren't changing and I just got sick and tired of it so just abandonned my tank to fend for itself so for about 4 days I didn't test levels or add ammonia. So on Sunday morning I decided to check and I had no ammonia and no nitrites and bright red nitrates which I am guessing is about 100ppm.
 
So then I put 1ml of ammonia Kleenoff style in the tank which i think would have taken it to the desirable 2ppm leve. Roughly 24 hours later it was back at ammonia zero and nitrite zero and nitrate c.100ppm. I then had to rush off the work so just squeezed some ammonia in the tank without measuring but the next day ammonia was at 4ppm so I guess I put in quite a bit and it took 36 hours to clear, This morning I put a measured 1ml of ammonia in and I think it's all cleared through.
 
Does this sound about right? Is the cycle completed? Can I go get fish now? 

)
 
If I can consider it's all done, what do I do now? I know I need to put the temp down though to what I am unsure - 26degrees ok? and a large water change - is it 90%?
 
Does it matter where I get the fish from? Pets at Home is the more convenient, the only other major fish stockist I know is Maidenhead and it's a bit of a way away.
 
But first is my cycle all done I suppose?
 
Also, I always notice ammonia looks slightly green tinge like 0.25 rather than 0.0 but I assumed that was a bit of inaccuracy - to be sure I tested bottled water and they were the same colour post test.
 
PS Thanks to those who have helped so far.

 
I believe you have been getting some sound advice from others so I will not repeat info.  I am currently fish-less cycling a tank and some very useful information has been added to my topic, Clarification of the Fish-Less Cycle, I recommend you take a look as it will assist you too.  It appears that my tank has in fact cycled fairly quickly.
 
My 46L Edge has also become more established and I added a new image yesterday, you will find it here.
 
Well done on being patient

   I know this can be a pain, however, follow the guidance, measure your ammonia, record the results and you will soon see all your hard work coming to fruition.
 
In respect to where to get your fish from...
 
Main thing is check with your stockist what their process is for new arrivals?  How long they are kept prior to sale and what, if any, treatments are they given before hand?
 
Can you action this to remind us all where you are - cheers.
 
Good Luck I am sure you will soon be in a position to stock.

 

[Iwantsomefish]

Best to measure your ammonia then there are no variables and you know your test results will be relatively accurate
You may be getting ready to do decent water change 50% at least - when I was preparing my tank and the nitrAtes got to that level the cycle stalled and only took off again after a water change. Just something to be aware of.
Glad your tank is making some progress and you've stuck with it - your future fish will be healthier for it!

Yes it is but it was a I'm going to miss the bus kind of moment. But on the plus side as I see it, I know that my tank can handle 4ppm in 36 hours which is good right?
Also what I am curious about is how come at the beginnging of fishless cycling one is told do 4ppm ammonia and later on told just do 2ppm- shouldn't it be 4ppm all the way or otherwise just do 2ppm from the start...?
 
50%? I thought I would have to do a big one like 90% before putting fish in. Or you mean to continue the cycle - I think it's all done.
 

 

I wouldn't recommend keeping any other fish with a betta, as only you may read that they can live in little bowls of water and with other fish but after I spoke to different breeders about keeping a betta they have always said best bet is on their own, as each individual fish has their own requirement like a betta likes warm water of 28c slightly acidic, need warm air above water and also remember after adding all your decorations the volume of water has decreased and cardinals need to be keen y in shoals of 6or more and a betta and an gourami there simply would be no room. Hope I've helped best of luck keep us updated!

 
Bettas are all individuals and it depends on the Betta you end up getting.  I agree that the ideal is that breeders would keep them on their own, however for the average hobbyist we do tend to mix other inhabitants with the Betta.  Some of my boys are fine with the other fish in with them, others are not.  Best thing is to have plenty of plants and places to hide, that way the Betta gets exercised or bored of chasing things.  Amano Shrimp are great little workers too, and as long as they have places to hide in the Betta cannot get them, they are very quick.  Stock slowly and be prepared to remove other inhabitants if the Betta does not take to them or you see the Betta being nipped.
 
 
Yep I want to mix the siamese with other fish.
 

I still have very high nitrite levels.
I did a water change last night, 60% ish, but yet still the level is so high it goes pink on the API kit.
Shall I do more water changes or just wait some more?
Eagles and RCA - where you both gone?
Have my tales of chemicals and test tubes for weeks on end put you to sleep?

 
Sorry I have not been around on the TFF until recently as a family friend had a stroke and I have been visiting the hospital/care home, here is hoping she makes a full recovery.  I also have had a lot of work men at the house so they need my attention to!  As before, if you need me urgently PM me and then I am more likely to pick up the message.
 
Have you tested your source water, as mine has very high NitrAtes, so water changes etc., make no difference.
 
 
OH dear, I hope all will get better soon, I did notice you weren't around and about but it was a dead end on my tank for about two weeks when nitrites just wouldn't come down. So you didn't miss much he he. In fact, you've come back at the good bit.
 

Hi,
 
To those who are still keeping an eye on this thread, I do belive that I might have finished my fishless cycle but I'd love it if some experienced fish keepers, particuarly oracles on cycling can confirm for me.
 
As may have been seen above I was having trouble with bright pink tubes of nitrites that just weren't changing and I just got sick and tired of it so just abandonned my tank to fend for itself so for about 4 days I didn't test levels or add ammonia. So on Sunday morning I decided to check and I had no ammonia and no nitrites and bright red nitrates which I am guessing is about 100ppm.
 
So then I put 1ml of ammonia Kleenoff style in the tank which i think would have taken it to the desirable 2ppm leve. Roughly 24 hours later it was back at ammonia zero and nitrite zero and nitrate c.100ppm. I then had to rush off the work so just squeezed some ammonia in the tank without measuring but the next day ammonia was at 4ppm so I guess I put in quite a bit and it took 36 hours to clear, This morning I put a measured 1ml of ammonia in and I think it's all cleared through.
 
Does this sound about right? Is the cycle completed? Can I go get fish now? 

)
 
If I can consider it's all done, what do I do now? I know I need to put the temp down though to what I am unsure - 26degrees ok? and a large water change - is it 90%?
 
Does it matter where I get the fish from? Pets at Home is the more convenient, the only other major fish stockist I know is Maidenhead and it's a bit of a way away.
 
But first is my cycle all done I suppose?
 
Also, I always notice ammonia looks slightly green tinge like 0.25 rather than 0.0 but I assumed that was a bit of inaccuracy - to be sure I tested bottled water and they were the same colour post test.
 
PS Thanks to those who have helped so far.

 
I believe you have been getting some sound advice from others so I will not repeat info.  I am currently fish-less cycling a tank and some very useful information has been added to my topic, Clarification of the Fish-Less Cycle, I recommend you take a look as it will assist you too.  It appears that my tank has in fact cycled fairly quickly.
 
 I think it's processing v quick now - i put 1ml of ammonia in after last night's post at about midnight and at 9pm now,, 9 hours later, it's as per the attached pics - all good I think?
 
My 46L Edge has also become more established and I added a new image yesterday, you will find it here.
 
Looks nice you know - but I couldn't spot where your fighter was in it - hiding?
 
Well done on being patient

   I know this can be a pain, however, follow the guidance, measure your ammonia, record the results and you will soon see all your hard work coming to fruition.
 
In respect to where to get your fish from...
 
Main thing is check with your stockist what their process is for new arrivals?  How long they are kept prior to sale and what, if any, treatments are they given before hand?
 
Can you action this to remind us all where you are - cheers.
 
Good Luck I am sure you will soon be in a position to stock.
 

I did the location update and think that's worked. I'm NW London - don't suppose anyone can comment on PAH South Ruislip or Maidenhead Aquatics Wembley for fish buying?
 
I want to go get fish this weekend, since Monday it's been clearning through ammonia and nitrite as it should as far as I can see so by Sunday I hope to go fish shopping. I am very excited to choose the fish and bring them home and introduce them to the tank.
 
Tap water is about 80 I think. Find it hard to match colours on the chart sometimes.
 
Picture is of tank levels,  not the tap one.

 

[Mamashack]

Actually I meant to stop the cycle from stalling with a dark red nitrAte result it sounds like it was heading towards 160ppm. You are quite right that you'd need to do a huge water change of about 90% before you add fish especially if I understand right that your tap-water has 80ppm nitrAtes? At that level you may need to use something to remove the nitrAtes from the tap-water before adding it to the tank as water replacement OR add a lot of live plants to the tank to mop it up.

 

[Iwantsomefish]

Actually I meant to stop the cycle from stalling with a dark red nitrAte result it sounds like it was heading towards 160ppm. You are quite right that you'd need to do a huge water change of about 90% before you add fish especially if I understand right that your tap-water has 80ppm nitrAtes? At that level you may need to use something to remove the nitrAtes from the tap-water before adding it to the tank as water replacement OR add a lot of live plants to the tank to mop it up.

Hm, well it seems to be a bright red that is brighter than 80ppm but not as deep as 160ppm. Every time I've checked my tank levels it's been that same red this week. What is the usual recommneded amount of water change pre-putting fish in there? Also shall I put heater to 25C or 26C or something else? And any other prep to do? Assuming I buy and bring home fish on Sunday, shall I do a big water change on the Saturday and drop the temp Saturday, and after I do that should I add some ammonia of 2ppm and just check that it clears before I buy the fish the following day?

 

[Mamashack]

I think 90% water change is the usual recommended action at the end of the cycle process before putting in fish. The temp of the tank will depend on what fish you are hoping to keep. I can't recall whether you said what you were thinking of getting.
Tropical fish need warmer temps than temperate fish which need cooler than tropical and warmer than cold water fish so do your research and adjust the temp accordingly.
You do know that pictures are obligatory once fish are added to the tank, don't you?! lol

 

[Iwantsomefish]

I think 90% water change is the usual recommended action at the end of the cycle process before putting in fish. The temp of the tank will depend on what fish you are hoping to keep. I can't recall whether you said what you were thinking of getting.
Tropical fish need warmer temps than temperate fish which need cooler than tropical and warmer than cold water fish so do your research and adjust the temp accordingly.
You do know that pictures are obligatory once fish are added to the tank, don't you?! lol

 
Well I much more look forward to putting pics of new fish in the tank than pictures of test tubes and questions about this chemical and that chemical and this percent and that percent and so on.
 
And I wasn't sure but when you go and buy the fish, do they still just give you it in the little bags of water? I used to see that at the fair about 20 years ago but wasn't sure if that was still standard practice these days.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Yup.  They inject oxygen into the bag.
 
 
Do as large a water change as possible before getting the fish, as early as 24-48 hours ahead of time.  No sense leaving nitrate sitting around in the tank if its not necessary.