Recent content by elmo666

I'm guessing you was asking to see if this product was 'locking up" the ammonia, as most do, or actually cycling at a rate to utilize the ammonia as it's produced. I'm happy it was doing the latter as the nitrate level was seen to be increasing over days, so it was being produced quicker than...

Yes, was around 12ppm when I set it up, baring in mind I did dose ferts from the outset. I haven't done a water change yet, its currently sitting around 20.

Well, never used a "cycle in a bottle" product before, and must admit I had serious reservations. However, glad to report all went well....very well. Followed Tetra's instructions to the letter, and at no point detected any ammonia or nitrite, even trying two alternative test kits as I'd...

Hi Akasha. Don't believe old age is the cause here, and all that Byron says is relevant. I've been fortunate in so much as I haven't had many fish losses as my experience has grown over 30years of keeping fish on and off. That said perhaps one area most of us fall down in, myself included, is...

Thanks eagles. Yes, I am using co2 in conjunction with seachem flourish and iron. Just edited my signature as that was for my previous tank. I do like the slower growing plants, though that said I'm toying with the idea of some stem plants across the rear, cabomba or red bacopa, or maybe some...

Again, great replies, much appreciated. I've always understood the impact of NH3/4 and it's toxicity relative to ph. Now, the reason I opted for this approach using Safe Start was the assurances I received regarding itself safe and effective performance. I'm not one to "fiddle" too much with my...

Thanks for the reply guys. Quick explanation of why I'm asking. First of all I don't understand how the live bacteria actually stays alive for an undetermined length of time in a bottle. I also don't know the science of how this product can go from zero to fully cycled* with full stocking, as...

Hi everyone. Has anyone any experience/used Tetra safe start instead of a fishless cycle? Thanks

How long has the filter floss been in? It needs to stay "fluffy" so to speak. If you let it compact, or it loses its bounce, it can actually work against you by reducing your filters turnover and as such its efficiency. Buy yourself a large pond filter mat, cut it to size, split it in half if it...

Hi everyone, back as promised after recuperating from surgery. Can't wait for my tank to be set up again. As the topic suggests I've decided to try marine for the first time, my time spent with tropical came to a pinnacle , to me at least, in keeping discus and getting successful spawns from...

Its been 5 weeks since I had to let my discus go and strip their tank down, and got to say really missing them and keeping my tank and plants in good order. Hoping to be well enough at the end of may to set up again, same 350ltr tank, kept all equipment. Now that I've mastered (well, got to...

Well, thanks for all your input, much appreciated.

Right, two tanks, I thought it might be a good idea for my own peace of mind. I was planning on replacing the sponges in my 2 eheim externals, but want to keep the bio media as that's all eheim....expensive to replace. I plan on thoroughly cleaning all tubing of course, hate that bio waste that...

Thanks guys. No health issues at all in the tank sorry, wasn't clear. It's myself that is unwell causing me to have to take that reluctant decision