Started my fishless cycle..

[FreshyFresh]

I got my tank up and running about 2pm yesterday afternoon. I did nothing but add Prime to de-chlorinate at the time, set the heater at ~80degF and let it roll with heat, HOB filtration and air stone airation.

At about 10pm, I measured the pH just for grins, which was ~7.6. I then added 5ml of my Dollar Store Austin's brand ammonia and let the tank run overnight.

This AM, the ammonia tested at 1.5-2.0ppm, so I added another 5ml test-tube full.

Tank is a 29gal.

This is the test kit I mail-ordered for ~$20:

http://www.petmountain.com/photos/p...ater-test-kits/freshwater-master-test-kit.jpg

Now it's the test and wait game? *BOUNCINGS

 

[lauraf]

Sounds good, you've got it.

 

[FishDad]

Ok now add a whole bunch of fish! Just kidding.

 

[GooGirl]

Ya, you could add like 2, 3, 4 hundred neon tetras! That would be cool, but hard to take care of!

 

[FreshyFresh]

Ok now add a whole bunch of fish! Just kidding.

LOL! I am kinda loosing patience.. and it's only like day ~2!

Ammonia = ~4ppm
Nitrites = 0ppm
Water temp = 80degF
Lots of water circulation and aeration.

Joel

 

[FishDad]

I even have short patience using a quarantine tank! I can't wait to get them in the 125g. I paid for it though, I got ich recently.

 

[OrangeCones]

LOL! I am kinda loosing patience.. and it's only like day ~2!

Another reason to do a heavily planted tank. I can stock one completely full on day 1 with fish!

 

[FreshyFresh]

Another reason to do a heavily planted tank. I can stock one completely full on day 1 with fish!

I hear ya OC.

I figured since I never really did a planted tank, I'd start with the finned critters first. Well.. that and I've got an el'Cheapo LED tank hood. It's very bright/vivid to the eye (looks AWESOME), but I have no idea how it would do with plants. Little/no natural light to tank either.

Joel

 

[GooGirl]

According to my fishkeeping book, plants grow best when exposed to either orande-yellow light, or blue-purple light. So LED's and fluorescents are best for plants.

 

[OrangeCones]

According to my fishkeeping book, plants grow best when exposed to either orande-yellow light, or blue-purple light. So LED's and fluorescents are best for plants.

LEDs can come in many different 'colors,' so not all LEDs are 'best' for plants. Same goes for flourescent lighting.

 

[GooGirl]

OK, well, if the colors of the lights are orange-yellow or blue-purple, then that works best.

 

[OrangeCones]

OK, well, if the colors of the lights are orange-yellow or blue-purple, then that works best.

I politely disagree, and will bow out of the conversation.

 

[GooGirl]

Umm, okay...

It has a chart that shows, well, never mind...

 

[FreshyFresh]

I might be able to speed things along a little bit!

A got ahold of a buddy last night who I know used to be into fresh water tanks, to see if he's still into it. Still into it??! He's got 10, 30 and 125gal tanks currently setup at his house!! I'm going to try to get some media from him...

Joel

 

[GooGirl]

That works! That would be a nice way to quickly cycle your tank!

 

[FishDad]

That has worked for me many times. You can still get a mini cycle, so just be prepared.

 

[GooGirl]

What's the difference between the regular cycle and the mini cycle?

 

[FreshyFresh]

What's the difference between the regular cycle and the mini cycle?

GG, I just keep picturing a Harley Davidson, next to a minibike. LOL! *laughingc

Joel

 

[FishDad]

Tank cycle refers to the start up process of a brand new fish tank. Mini cycle is a situation where some of the nitrifying bact. dies for whatever reason and your amm/nit levels spike for a bit until the bacteria catches up again.

 

[GooGirl]

GG, I just keep picturing a Harley Davidson, next to a minibike. LOL! *laughingc

Joel

Sorry, I have no idea what those are... Some sort of motorbikes?

Tank cycle refers to the start up process of a brand new fish tank. Mini cycle is a situation where some of the nitrifying bact. dies for whatever reason and your amm/nit levels spike for a bit until the bacteria catches up again.

OK, thanks! That makes sense, now.