PaddyC's Peaceful Community

Just a couple of things.

You would be better waiting for someone else to talk about the actual planting process. All my plants are the kind the grow attached to decor.

Safe Start - add that at the same time as the first ammonia dose. Assuming it is OK (ie bacteria still alive) the bacteria will need something to feed on.

If it was me I would plant the plants following someone else's advice then wait a few days to a couple of weeks to make sure they are OK. Then get your friend's media, put it in the filter than add the safe start and ammonia.

However, if your friend wants to get rid of his media sooner than that, take it whenever he wants, put it into the filter then start the cycle regardless of how long since you put the plants in. If the plants start to go a bit iffy, remove any dead looking leaves but leave the plant in there. I do know that some plants will lose their leaves after planting but that they grow more. It's just the dead and decaying leaves you want to remove from the tank.

And add the bicarb when you fill the tank. It won't go off while waiting to add the ammonia - it'll only be a few days gap.


Something at the back of my mind says that Safe Start instructions say something about not doing water changes before you add it. Something about the ammonia detoxifying part of a lot of dechlorinators not being good with Safe Start. If that's what it does say, it's OK to add the dechlorinator two or three days before adding the Safe Start as the detoxifying chemicals lose their effect after about 24 hours. (With the exception of Seachem Prime, these detoxifiers don't affect the ammonia readings, so you are OK testing after using these dechlorinators once you have fish and want to check)

It is their own brand of ammonia - which doesn't appear to be on their website 

Something else to try if you can't find any and have to get it on-line - and wait for the post.

Start it tonight. Put some declorinated water into a container and either add some fish food or a couple of raw prawns - frozen will do if you have some in the freezer. You might want to put prawns into a mesh bag - or the toe of a pair of tights if you can find someone who wears them  . Decomposing prawns get a bit too messy to remove easily.
The fish food or prawn will start to decompose to make ammonia, and the water in the container will get you started and feed the Safe Start until you get hold of some ammonia. Test this water so you know when the food/prawn is starting to break down. Once you have the ammonia, check what the reading is in the tank from adding the ammonia water then you'll know how much ammonia to add to get 3ppm

Cheers Simon, thats's a great help. I'll make a few calls in the morning to a couple of B&Q stores and Homebase stores in the area... I'm not going on another wild goose chase.

Sue, i'm afraid the closest thing I have is frozen fish, no fresh or frozen prawns, which funnily enough is unusual, I love them! I had no idea the trouble I'd have getting my hands on ammonia!! 

I knew I should have bought some today, I looked at loads of the stuff but as I'm a way off getting fish I felt there was no need to get any at the moment.

RESULT!

I've got a bottle reserved in Stirling. My mate recommended me an Aquarium he uses in Stirling as well so on my way to get the tank I'll get the ammonia and do a wee bit window shopping 

There's so much to do with the first new tank, isn't there. I found it slightly overwhelming and ended up "popping out" for all sorts of bits and pieces quite a lot. As frustrating as it is, taking the time at the beginning is worth it when you eventually get the layout & planting that you want, and see the fish comfortable in their new environment.
 

You're not wrong, Lf! I'm so looking forward to seeing it all up and running and eventually getting my first fishes 

IT'S TANK DAY!!!

My mate recommended me an Aquarium he uses in Stirling

Great that you have a personally-recommended fish/aquarium shop to go to. If you feel the desire to do any extra window-shopping, for research purposes (ie leave the wallet behind to avoid temptation), it turns out that MA/Fishkeeper Scotland opened a new store in Stirling just last weekend - http://fishkeeperscotland.co.uk/. I find that there are pros and cons for various LFSs, and with some stocking some items and others stocking others, so a browse around the various stores is always helpful.

Good luck for your big day today!

That alcove was built for that cabinet, wow nice fit. The tank is looking good too . Be patient, I was given bad advice from a local aquatic store that has resulted in a lot of work to keep my fish alive, extra expence and stress on my part. From your thread it appears your doing everything right from my limited experience....enjoy the ride and keep us posted!

The tank is looking great.   

Wow, it looks like they built your house around your tank!

It'll look great with plants and fish. 

That does look good 

Since you have the ammonia and Safe Start, add them whenever you want. The temp doesn't need to be at 28 deg C, it's just that the bacteria multiply faster at warmer temps. They'll get started at lower temps, and you'll have already had a day or so head start once the tank reaches the desired temp.

Have you got the mature media yet?