Should I Do A Water Change? Advice Needed Pls.

[Miss Wiggle]

if you can get hold of some then yes get some of that. it's pricey, not available everywhere and doesn't always work though! it's only any good if it's been refirgerated since leaving the factory, obviously you never know whats gone on for the whole delivery process so there's a chance it's died off. most of the time it works but i've heard of a few instances where it hasn't.

if not then i would follow BTT's advise and return the fish and do a fishless cycle.

 

[pastabake]

I found some here www.petsintown.co.uk/search_results.asp?section=477 its not that expensive considering £8 with a filter bag.

Though I agree with the above that its probably best all round to take the fish back and do a fishless cycle.

 

[backtotropical]

I agree with Miss Wiggle that Safe Start's effectiveness is anything but certain.

Also, the trouble with Bactinettes is that it contains Nitrosomonas bacteria so it will aid in the processing of ammonia, but it doesn't contain Nitrospira so it will leave you with a bucket load of nitrite. Not ideal.

It is better than nothing I admit, but theres really no substitute for a fishless cycle, other than enough mature media to give you an instant cycle.

On that note actually, Brian, mature media is your 2nd best option after fishless cycling. Do you know anyone who has an established tank who may be able to give you some media from their filter?

Cheers

BTT

 

[memder]

I just finished a with-fish cycling, after loosing some fish

As some of people suggested to me, do not think about whether you are changing too much water. Do as much as you need to keep the ammonia and nitrite down. I have a 10g tank and did 3-galloan water change TWICE daily. It did not harm my cycling.

For a fish-in cycling, basically, you have to sit over your tank all the day and do water change as soon as you detect some thing is not right. With careful monitor, you can do it without loosing fish.

Good luck.

I could take the fish back but don't really want to.... Has any of you ever used Tetra SafeStart, or read about it? I was told to use this, which basically is supposed to let you add fish to an aquarium right away. People on different websites have said that it's fantastic, it also adds bacteria to replacement water as well.

"Tetra SafeStart allows you to rapidly stock a new aquarium with fish. It contains a patented blend of the bacteria responsible for removing harmful ammonia and nitrite from aquarium water. These bacteria are not found in any other product, and work to instantly activate the filter. By removing ammonia and nitrite they create a safe environment for fish, allowing you to enjoy your new aquarium with the minimal amount of maintenance.

How to Use
When setting up a new aquarium: When aquarium is set up and running at correct temperature, add 5ml of SafeStart per 6 litres of water, at the same time as adding the fish. Tetra recommend a stocking level of adult fish equivalent to 1cm per litre. This refers to the eventual body size of the fish excluding fins, not the size when they are added."

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