Bruce Posted May 25, 2006 Author Share Posted May 25, 2006 I remember that acclimatisation technique, it sounds similar to the one I said in my old topic called acclimatisation. My test kit tests for pH, ammonia, nitrates and nitrites. Is that all I need to test for? Also, is there any surefast way to test my water to see if it's tang quality. Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted May 25, 2006 Share Posted May 25, 2006 nope, the kits can't tell ammonia from ammonium ← Yes, I noticed on the ammonia test kit box tonight that it states NH3 and NH4. I have only ever used Aquarium Pharmaceuticals test kits before, is it safe to assume at all "ammonia" test kits detect both ammonia and ammonium? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 25, 2006 Author Share Posted May 25, 2006 I use the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals one aswell so it should be good. Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 26, 2006 Author Share Posted May 26, 2006 Will a UV sterilizer remove the tannins from my water? I used this type of sand in previous tanks and these rocks in the last tank and the only difference I can think of is that the last tank had a UV sterilizer. Also the sand probably went through a couple of rain showers. I have just noticed that my piece of fish and stocking with multi sand has developed a white fungus looking stuff around it, it looks like very soft jelly and sways with the water. Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 27, 2006 Author Share Posted May 27, 2006 New readings are in: pH: 8.8 Ammonia: 0ppm Nitrate: 5ppm Nitrite: 2ppm Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 28, 2006 Author Share Posted May 28, 2006 pH: 8.3 Ammonia: 0ppm Nitrates: 10ppm Nitrites: 5ppm How long until the cycle if complete? Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash Posted May 28, 2006 Share Posted May 28, 2006 Have you got them in the right order: Ammonia, Nitrites then Nitrates? the cycle is sorted when theres... ammonia=0 nitrite=0 nitrate=something you're half way, next day or two the nitrite should drop - then she's done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 28, 2006 Author Share Posted May 28, 2006 I haven't written them there in the right order. In the next day or two it'll start dropping or it'll be gone? Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash Posted May 28, 2006 Share Posted May 28, 2006 drop at first, then gone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 28, 2006 Author Share Posted May 28, 2006 Ok cool. Should I try adding a multi or two in a couple of days to see how them go? Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash Posted May 28, 2006 Share Posted May 28, 2006 nope, not till the nitrite is gone. then you can add whatever you plan to keep for good OR keep feeding it food/fish/prawn until you do get fish. no need to put temporary residents in (unless you are keeping multis in there permanently) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 28, 2006 Author Share Posted May 28, 2006 I think my multies might go in there permanently, why do I need to keep feeding the tank with no fish in there if the cycle is done? Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash Posted May 28, 2006 Share Posted May 28, 2006 so the bacteria don't die Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 28, 2006 Author Share Posted May 28, 2006 Can I tip the Stresszyme in instead? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash Posted May 28, 2006 Share Posted May 28, 2006 nope, adding more bacteria won't achieve anything - once you have it cycled you have to keep it cycled Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 28, 2006 Author Share Posted May 28, 2006 Ok, after all the parameters are fine how do I know it'll be ok? Is there are sure way to tell without risking my fish? Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash Posted May 28, 2006 Share Posted May 28, 2006 um, you do a fishless cycle to avoid harming the fish dude - once the ammonia & nitrite are gone totally for two consecutive days I'd do a waterchange for the nitrate & add the fish. You've pretty much done everything to look after them at this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 28, 2006 Author Share Posted May 28, 2006 Ok, so I'll do a 20% water change? Then put the multies in. They are getting around 50 neothauma shells so they'll be happy. Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted May 28, 2006 Share Posted May 28, 2006 Ok, so I'll do a 20% water change? ← Only once the nitrite readings are 0, as Ash said. I'm sure they will be happy in your tank, so long as you don't drop them in too early Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 28, 2006 Author Share Posted May 28, 2006 Yeah, I'll wait until nitrite is 0. Then I'll slowly acclimatise them using the drip method with a bucket. Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 30, 2006 Author Share Posted May 30, 2006 Nitrite still hasn't dropped. Should I do a 20% water change to help get rid of it? Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Bruce Just listen to what the others are saying. There is no need to do a water change. Give it time to work naturally. Josh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 These things work in their own time. You filled your tank 3 days before I did mine and I'm still waiting on the ammonia peak! Don't even ask me for nitrite or nitrate readings, they haven't even registered yet... Doing a water change with your nitrite readings peaking will definately lower the nitrites by diluting them, not by the bacteria that break this down doing their job. It's also probably going to set your cycle back and give you false hope that you are almost done. I know it's exciting getting a new tank, I ended up with a noticable scratch in the front of mine and also almost electrocuted myself as I was rushing things. Just take a chill pill and sit down in front of your multies in their current tank and enjoy them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edas Posted May 31, 2006 Share Posted May 31, 2006 Hi Bruce Just be patient. I have just cycled my 550ltr tank and it took exactly 28 days using 10 comets and heavy feeding. Don't change any water. I tested the water every day and logged the readings as I had never followed the progress of a tank cycle before. It works exactly the way it says it does in books! I had ammonia after 3-4 days and nitrites after 14-15 or so days. Once the nitrite peaked and reduced to zero I did a massive water change, sent the comets back to the LFS and introduced my tangs. Have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and water changes take care or nitrates. Must say it is a worthwhile experience. The less you interfere with the process the better. Cheers Edas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Posted May 31, 2006 Author Share Posted May 31, 2006 My nitrites are starting to drop, they are around 2.0 now. Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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