Some Advice Please

[cristov]

I have recently set up my first tank(96l). I have filled up with treated water and all my bits and bobs, filter and heater have been running for 4 days now, and i have introduced nutrafin cycle.i also have put in various potted plants, six of them. i have been doing tests and have a ph of 7.8. no traces of ammonia, nitrates or nitrites. i have been putting small quantities of flake food in just to get the cycle going. my question is when can i introduce my first fish and what fish would be best. how ofter sould i look at water changes and how much water? sorry to drag that out a bit, just want to make sure im as clear a possible. cheers.

 

[BigIan]

what you are looking for is evidence of the nitrogen cycle taking place.

you would be best aquiring some pure amonia from some where like boots.

you first need to see an ammonia spike, the bacteria will then grow that eat the ammonia and the ammonis will slowly dissapear and you will see nitrites apear and spike, and again slowly go down and nitrate is present then.


water changes should be done weekly, personaly i do 25% onece a week, depending on the tank but thats a general rough guide

 

[cristov]

what you are looking for is evidence of the nitrogen cycle taking place.

you would be best aquiring some pure amonia from some where like boots.

you first need to see an ammonia spike, the bacteria will then grow that eat the ammonia and the ammonis will slowly dissapear and you will see nitrites apear and spike, and again slowly go down and nitrate is present then.


water changes should be done weekly, personaly i do 25% onece a week, depending on the tank but thats a general rough guide

im kinda worried about trying a fishless cycle and im in no rush to fully stock the tank. was hoping to just start of slow and get into some kind of routine with the water changes, feeding and stuff.

 

[BigIan]

fishless cyleling is easy,

it also helps you to learn about water chemistry and how things effect it. wich is very important as its water that you need to look after to keep your fish healthy