Bacteria In Oxford

lizjamie · May 3, 2008

Hi,

Is there anyone in oxford willing to donate a matrue filter sponge in return for a new one?

My latest attempts at fishless cycling which began 2.5 weeks ago are not doing well - I still have no signs of nitrites.

Please help!

jwddboy · May 3, 2008

I can send you a sponge (or half of one) in some water with heat packs if you want? Im not local so would have to post. Could also throw in some ammonia. (PM me)

smithrc · May 3, 2008

I'm in Milton Keynes if that helps - local ish...

Posting wont work as the bacteria need oxygenated water to stay alive.
Keeping them in a bag of water will mean they quickly use the oxygen up and die

Russell

jwddboy · May 3, 2008

I have breathable bags.

I used to sell a filter startup kit which included filter media from a specially designed planted tank that was super-rich in bacteria.

lizjamie · May 3, 2008

Thanks guys - I will hold out a few days to see if there is anyone close by before I decide what to do.

On the forum I found people talking about biospira - which works but is not available in the UK (?) , but also tetra safe start? Is this likely to be available in the goldfish bowl and would it be worth it? Am loathed to go in and ask them as the guy i talked to last time was pretty scathing about fishless cycling and though I should be bying danios which are too big for my 58litre anyway.

rabbut · May 3, 2008

There are a few starter products availabe but few work :no:

Bactinetts is good if handled correctly from what I have been told, as is bio-spira. Both need to be constantly refrigerated. Finding it is hard, finding it in a shop after beeing handled correctly even harder. Ask how it has been handled before purchase and don't buy if it wasn't refrigerated at all times :good: