Author Topic: Return to tropical fishkeeping (Read 36773 times) 151 replies

Trish · « **Reply #40 on:** July 09, 2016, 03:29:48 PM »

Hi Matt.

I used tapwater and a dechlorinator. A few weeks later, I added some "magic balls" that are supposed to have nitrifying bacteria, and I took Sue's advice and added bi-carb to bring up the PH and KH. The water parameters have stayed exactly the same all these weeks.

I know fishless cycling takes a while, and I was prepared for that, but I am surprised that the cycle hasn't even started, at all, after all this time.

Trish · « **Reply #41 on:** July 09, 2016, 03:34:02 PM »

Meant to say that I had added ammonia to 3ppm. when I started the cycle on 5th June.

Sue · « **Reply #42 on:** July 09, 2016, 03:57:27 PM »

That does seem a bit long. As you've added bicarb it shouldn't be due to lack of KH. But to double check, test the pH of the tank water and also the pH of a glass of water that has stood overnight. If the tank is a lot lower, that could be partly responsible.

If the pH is OK, try Tetra Safe Start but ignore it if it says it has to be used with fish. It doesn't.

Trish · « **Reply #43 on:** July 09, 2016, 04:06:54 PM »

Hi Sue,

The water comes out the tap about 7.4 and doesn't change after standing. The water in the tank was also about 7.4. After adding the bi-carb, the PH came up to about 8.2 and the KH from 6dG to 10dG.

Looks like I'll have to get the Safestart, and hope that does the trick, if not, I don't know what else I can do.

Sue · « **Reply #44 on:** July 09, 2016, 04:09:54 PM »

Is the pH still 8.2 in the tank? This is just to eliminate one possibility.

But I think TSS is the best option now, unless you know someone else who has a tank.

Trish · « **Reply #45 on:** July 09, 2016, 04:13:39 PM »

Yeah still the same when I tested yesterday.

Littlefish · « **Reply #46 on:** July 09, 2016, 05:18:46 PM »

Hi Trish,

I'd be more than happy to send you some mature media from one of my tanks. I'm sure that with some plastic packaging the bacteria will remain damp, and worst case scenario would go dormant, but be ok once back in a tank with a source of ammonia.

Obviously I wouldn't be able to send it until Monday, and I can't guarantee any of my tanks are totally pest snail free as I've been changing over to live plants in the tanks over the past few months, but if that's ok with you then just let me know.

Trish · « **Reply #47 on:** July 09, 2016, 11:52:49 PM »

Hi Littlefish,.....apoligies for the late reply, I've only just got home after a family night out.

Thank you so much for your very kind offer. I bought some Tetra Safestart this afternoon and will dose the tank with it tomorrow. But if I don't have any joy with that, I would be very grateful to take you up on your offer.
Fingers crossed that the safestart works but if not it's nice to know I have another option. Thanks again.

Littlefish · « **Reply #48 on:** July 10, 2016, 07:57:14 AM »

No problem. We all know how frustrating tank cycling can be.
I have quite a few tanks, so I always use mature media for new tanks, and it helps.
Best of luck with the safe start and let me know how you get on.

Trish · « **Reply #49 on:** July 10, 2016, 10:41:33 AM »

Hi Littlefish,
I was just wondering if it would be a good idea to use your mature media as well as the Safestart, or would that be overkill?

Littlefish · « **Reply #50 on:** July 10, 2016, 10:57:29 AM »

I'm not sure there is such a thing as overkill when it comes to mature media/tank cycling etc.
If you want me to send some just pm me your address and I'll sort it out tomorrow.

Trish · « **Reply #51 on:** July 10, 2016, 11:08:25 AM »

PM sent

Sue · « **Reply #52 on:** July 10, 2016, 03:01:31 PM »

It wouldn't be overkill, just belt and braces

If damp media was sealed into a plastic box - lots of tape round the join - it should survive a night or two in the post at this time of year. Once it arrives, float it in the tank or a tub of tank water while you open the filter. Replace some of your media with the mature; cut it up if necessary to make it fit. Then fill any spaces with the media you took out to make room.

Trish · « **Reply #53 on:** July 10, 2016, 03:15:01 PM »

OK, Sue. Will do.

My tank has hidden compartments running along the back housing heater, pump and filter media.
The water passes through several types of mechanical filtration before clean water is then passed on to the biological filter.
As part of the mechanical filter is made up of coarse, medium and fine sponge, I was thinking of putting the media that Littlefish is sending me, somewhere in this compartment. Or I could put it on the top of the biological ceramic noodles. Don't think it would matter too much where it went?

Sue · « **Reply #54 on:** July 10, 2016, 03:23:01 PM »

Put it first in the direction of water flow in the biofilter section. The reasoning is that any loose bits of biofilm will get washed into the uncolonised media and the bacteria will set up home there.

Trish · « **Reply #55 on:** July 10, 2016, 03:25:44 PM »

Thanks Sue.

Trish · « **Reply #56 on:** July 12, 2016, 12:23:10 PM »

Just to say a big thank you to Donna, for going to all the trouble of sending me some of her mature media. It arrived 10 mins ago, and I have put it in the tank.
Will hopefully, start the cycle now.

Paddyc · « **Reply #57 on:** July 12, 2016, 12:46:26 PM »

Quote from: Trish on July 12, 2016, 12:23:10 PM

Just to say a big thank you to Donna, for going to all the trouble of sending me some of her mature media. It arrived 10 mins ago, and I have put it in the tank.
Will hopefully, start the cycle now.

Awesome stuff. This is what the forum is all about

Good luck for a nice speedy cycle now

Trish · « **Reply #58 on:** July 12, 2016, 01:01:25 PM »

Thanks Paddy,

Yes, I must say, I have been overwhelmed by the support and kindness on this forum. So glad I found it.

Littlefish · « **Reply #59 on:** July 12, 2016, 01:27:48 PM »

You're welcome.
Best of luck with your cycle, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

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Return To Tropical Fishkeeping

Author Topic: Return to tropical fishkeeping (Read 36773 times) 151 replies

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