Starter Set Up Advice

[chrisbassist]

I have the roma 125, so far I like it.

it's all very well saying maybeswap sponges etc, but unless you know what you want to put in etc I'd say just go ahead use what comes with, it may not be the best stuff out there, but it will do the job... I'd just get it full of water and start the cycle. the sooner you do that, the sooner you'll be able to get fish.

You can always obsess over details when you have more experience and it'll give you more time to learn about different media types, etc.

once you've got it started cycling, spend some time in a fish store, and spend sometimewatching different fish. I made the mistake of getting guppies to start with, and now regret it. Got them for their looks (they are very very pretty) and now realise that aside from their colour, I find them pretty boring to watch. So spend some time watching different fish, you've got weeks to watch different fish and see what you like. I'd start with the fish you really really like, a centrepiece, then work around that for any others... otherwise (like me) you may get stuck not being sure what centrepiece you should have because none will work...

 

[mikka23]

Thanks, started to add water then noticed it isnt quite leveled. Is this a huge problem or can i add the rest of the water in the hope that the extra weight levels it out (may just be uneven carpet), If not add wooden wedges under lower side.

 

[chrisbassist]

I don't think it's a big issue really, but there is advice on leveling from fatheadminnow, about halfway down his first post...

 

[fatheadminnow]

Yup, use shims to level the tank. Put the shims under the stand, not under the tank itself.

-FHM

 

[waterdrop]

Yeah, it probably doesn't matter. We've only had a subset of cases where we grew suspicious of the green sponges and there are probably about as many cases where as far as I know everything went ok, so yours can be another data point for us to see if it causes problems.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[OldMan47]

The tank not being quite level is a case of being annoying to look at unless it is way off. If things are well out of level, it is possible to put too much stress on some of the glass and joints, but that is unusual. The important thing for a stand is that it have a nice flat surface for the tank to rest on. Even if that flat surface is slightly tilted, it will not be a problem.
As has been suggested, if you don't know what you want in your filter, the media that came with it should be fine until you get up to speed and decide that a particular part should be replaced for a specific reason. There is no reason to use the Cycle product but I have not seen where it hurt anything either. The dechlorinator is another matter, that is essential when you are adding water to a tank, especially one you are trying to cycle. There are people who do water changes on mature tanks without using dechlorinator and it seems to work for them. I am not one of those people, I consider water conditioner as cheap insurance in case my own water supply is too high in chlorine for the fish to easily tolerate it.
As WD suggested, it is easier to add the substrate to your tank before the water but not essential. If you add it later, you need to be sure to wash it well and unplug the filter until the dirt in the water from adding the substrate settles.

 

[mikka23]

Thanks guys. One question - Can I plant the tank before its fully cycled?

 

[chrisbassist]

I'll let someone else answer that (my tank isn't planted, at least not with real plants)

but may I say goodluck with the cycle, and hope you enjoy your fish.

 

[mikka23]

Well I went to my LFS, bought gravel, nutrafin master test kit, fish net. I asked for ammonium and they looked at me like I was a lunatic. They said no need for cycling, would be at it for months, just add some flakes.

I wouldn't trust this but there are so many conflicting arguements its hard to decide. You have, fishless cycle, fish in cycle, silent cycle and then products which claim instant cycle.

 

[fatheadminnow]

A fishless cycle with Ammonia, is hands down the best/easiest way to cycle a tank. If you do it this way you will be pleased, plus this methods allows enough bacteria to colonize in your filter to handle a full stocking of fish once done!

Plants should not be in a cycling tank. Plants need light to live, so you are going to undoubtedly have your lights on. Well, since you are cycling a tank, this also means you are going to have high/fluctuating levels of ammonia. And Light + Ammonia = Algae. This is why you should wait until after the cycle is complete to add plants.

-FHM

 

[mikka23]

Any ideas where to find bottled ammonium in the uk?

 

[fatheadminnow]

Hardware stores should carry it. There was a thread on it sometime ago, but I do not remember.

I would suggest making a new thread in the "Tropical Discussion" section on where to find Ammonia in the UK.

-FHM

 

[mikka23]

I have read various places that fish flakes can be used instead of ammonia? Is this true? if so how much flakes should be added at a time?

 

[Truck]

It is true, but I don't like this method because it is difficult to guess how much will need to be added, I would add a bit at a time until you get to the desired 5ppm.

 

[fatheadminnow]

I have read various places that fish flakes can be used instead of ammonia? Is this true? if so how much flakes should be added at a time?

It can be done, but it is not recommended because there really is no control over how much ammonia goes into the tank. That is why there is no answer for how many flakes to use.

A fishless cycle is a controlled experiment, lets say, where the ammonia you add is measured out precisely so that your ammonia is around the 4-5 ppm mark in your tank.

having bottled ammonia is your best bet.

-FHM