Author Topic: Return to tropical fishkeeping (Read 36359 times) 151 replies

Trish · « **Reply #80 on:** July 16, 2016, 12:17:17 AM »

Thanks fcmf and Fiona.

I'm really grateful for all the nice comments and the support I have had on the forum.

Trish · « **Reply #81 on:** July 17, 2016, 11:23:18 AM »

Me again

I know I'm being a bit dim, but once again, I need guidance on what to do now.

The tank readings this morning are :

Ammonia. 0.00 ppm
Nitrite. 0.00ppm
Nitrate. Between 10 and 15

This is first test I have done since I added more ammonia on the 15th to bring the reading back up to 3 ppm. ( step 6)

I don't know, given these readings, whether to wait another 2 days, step 8, or go straight to step 10, as the nitrite is at zero.

Paddyc · « **Reply #82 on:** July 17, 2016, 12:23:32 PM »

Based on those results you appear to be at stage ten. Steps 7-9 are for when ammonia drops but nitrite is lagging behind.

So now you should add a full 3ppm dose of ammonia and go to 24hr testing.

Cycle going along nicely!

Sue · « **Reply #83 on:** July 17, 2016, 12:27:39 PM »

It sounds like Littlefish's media was full of both types of bacteria

Yes, go to stage 10. The reason I suggested taking it slowly earlier was that the nitrite eaters often lag behind, but yours seem to be keeping up nicley.

Paddyc · « **Reply #84 on:** July 17, 2016, 12:33:39 PM »

Quote from: Sue on July 17, 2016, 12:27:39 PM

It sounds like Littlefish's media was full of both types of bacteria

Yes, go to stage 10. The reason I suggested taking it slowly earlier was that the nitrite eaters often lag behind, but yours seem to be keeping up nicley.

I had a eureka moment towards the end of my own cycle regarding the whole process... Once you understand you're essentially growing two types of bacteria and can understand how quickly they are multiplying, it becomes really straightforward.

The guide you posted on this forum is brilliant Sue, even if you freely admit you have passed on the process from another author. I have no doubt my own tank wouldn't be how it is without it

Looking forward to hearing your results about this time tomorrow, @Trish

Sue · « **Reply #85 on:** July 17, 2016, 12:39:59 PM »

Thank you for those kind words

Trish · « **Reply #86 on:** July 17, 2016, 01:20:17 PM »

Thank you Paddy and Sue for your help.

I'm really pleased with how things are going. Fingers crossed for tomorrow. But even if the results still aren't 100%, at least I know that I won't have too long to wait. Will post tomorrow with the results.

Trish · « **Reply #87 on:** July 18, 2016, 01:26:35 PM »

Hi Folks,

Results today :

Ammonia. - 0.00ppm
Nitrite. Up a little - 0.15 ppm aprox.
Nitrate. Up a little - 30 ppm

Do I now add my full dose to bring the ammonia up to 3 ppm and test again this time tomorrow?

Fiona · « **Reply #88 on:** July 18, 2016, 01:47:41 PM »

Yup add the full dose again @Trish and test after 24hours

Looks like you're almost there

Trish · « **Reply #89 on:** July 18, 2016, 01:50:17 PM »

Cheers Fiona.

Yes, hopefully, not too long now

See what tomorrow brings.

Paddyc · « **Reply #90 on:** July 18, 2016, 02:06:10 PM »

Awesome to hear Trish, when will you be looking to stock it once the cycle is complete, right away or the weekend?

Trish · « **Reply #91 on:** July 18, 2016, 02:28:23 PM »

Hi Paddy,

Im in a bit of a dilemma on stocking.

My original intention, was to put all the fish in at once. I thought that if I did this, then I wouldn't have that awful waiting time, wondering if the new fish will bring in diseases to the longer residents.

I intend to have Panda Corys, Harlequins, Galaxy Rasboras and Cardinals.
However, I have read that Corys need to have a very mature tank. (Something about a bio film?) so that rather puts paid to that idea.

I can of course get all the others, then get the pandas later on, but that takes me back to intrducing new fish to old fish, again.

I was going to get the fish by post, from Kesgrave Tropicals, which seem to have a good reputation. The P + P is £15, whether you get one fish or 30, and I didn't mind paying as I would be getting all the fish I wanted all at once.

My only local fish shop is a P@H.

I was looking there this morning, and they have all the fish I want except the Pandas.

I've been dithering all day as to what to do for the best, and I'm annoying myself now, as I can't come to a decision.

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Paddyc · « **Reply #92 on:** July 18, 2016, 02:39:39 PM »

P@H won't give you many fish at once. I worked out that to get 20% stock for my newly cycled tank would require at least 18 fish. I was informed that they wouldn't sell me that many at once as it was against their policy...

I understand your reservations against adding small numbers at intervals, but is it really that much of a risk so long as you get a good look at the fish you are buying in the shop or at least have a guarantee from your Fish By Post supplier?

I have added fish on 3 different occasions since my initial batch of fish. No problems as yet to report (touch wood).

I realise this might not help you in making a decision

Trish · « **Reply #93 on:** July 18, 2016, 02:49:38 PM »

Thanks Paddy,

Didn't realise that P@H had that policy.

I noticed they had some special offers on certain fish .......6 for £10 for example. So I'm guessing that I can buy at least 6 at a time, lol.

If I bought the maximum one week, then waited another week for the rest, what happens to all the nitryfying bacteria, whilst waiting to get the rest of the fish. Does it have to be built up again slowly?

I think I'm driving myself mad with all these questions!!

Paddyc · « **Reply #94 on:** July 18, 2016, 02:54:42 PM »

Quote from: Trish on July 18, 2016, 02:49:38 PM

If I bought the maximum one week, then waited another week for the rest, what happens to all the nitryfying bacteria, whilst waiting to get the rest of the fish. Does it have to be built up again slowly?

I think I'm driving myself mad with all these questions!!

Haha you wouldn't be the first and certainly won't be the last!

The bacteria balance is why it is recommended to feed your fish at half rations a few days before getting new fish, no food at all on new fish day (bearing in mind the new fish are fed daily at the shops) then a few more days at half rations after adding fish. The bacteria will have more time to come up to speed this way, reducing the chance of an ammonia/nitrite spike to negligible levels.

Trish · « **Reply #95 on:** July 19, 2016, 01:29:48 PM »

Hi All,

Well, just done the water test.

I have no Ammonia
No Nitrite
And approx 40 ppm Nitrate

Looks like the tank is cycled? Or do I need to do another 24 hr test to be sure?

If it is cycled, would it be OK to do my large water change now and then get the fish tomorrow morning?

Paddyc · « **Reply #96 on:** July 19, 2016, 01:33:53 PM »

You've had two consecutive double zeros within 24 hours... That equals a cycled tank!

Congratulations

Littlefish · « **Reply #97 on:** July 19, 2016, 01:36:29 PM »

Congratulations Trish.

Great news about your tank cycle, and wishing you much happy fish shopping very soon.

Trish · « **Reply #98 on:** July 19, 2016, 01:43:13 PM »

Thanks Paddy,

Can't believe it really, that's only a week since adding Littlefish's media!

What's your thoughts on doing a big waterchange now, but not getting the fish until tomorrow? Will that be alright?

Trish · « **Reply #99 on:** July 19, 2016, 01:46:10 PM »

Thanks for everything, Donna.

I am really looking forward to seeing fish in the tank.

Oddly enough, I feel a little bit nervous,too, lol. Just want to do my best for them, I suppose.

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Author Topic: Return to tropical fishkeeping (Read 36359 times) 151 replies

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