Cleaning Out My Tropical Tank

[chickennuggets123]

I've got a new fish tank- 50l, and I was wondering if anyone can help me with-
When emptying the tank to put 10-15% clean water in... what do you switch off? What about the heater? Will the fish manage without the heather for a few minutes?
Thanks

I have the tank up and running, with no fish in at the moment, for a day now, and I have to wait another 2... but Im just getting the info before cleaning comes around

As much info as possible please

 

[ZoddyZod]

switch EVERYTHING off, as a precaution to being electrocuted.

The filter and heater being off for a few minutes will not have any effect on the fish.

And as stated in your other thread, the "run for three days then it's ready" method is a complete myth, you need to cycle the tank properly.

 

[chickennuggets123]

switch EVERYTHING off, as a precaution to being electrocuted.

The filter and heater being off for a few minutes will not have any effect on the fish.

And as stated in your other thread, the "run for three days then it's ready" method is a complete myth, you need to cycle the tank properly.

what do you mean?
thanks

 

[Rickzayne]

Or do a fish in cycle but get hardy fish, a proper water test kit and be prepared to do water changes everyday!

 

[ZoddyZod]

what do you mean?
thanks

have a read of the beginners section and look for the 'cycling' topics. Then post any questions you may have about the method.

Your filter needs to become home to bacteria which will process the waste that your fish produce. The bacteria will not magically appear if you just leave the filter running for 3 days. Cycling is the only way to do this.

 

[Rickzayne]

He meant the bacteria in a bottle stuf you get with your aquarium that says you can have fish fine after 3 days or setting up

 

[Louiseness]

what do you mean?
thanks

He means that the 'run for three days/a week/whatever' advice is rubbish and does nothing to make the tank more suitable for fish. Put fish straight into a tank like this and you'll run into problems. You need to cycle your tank first (fish-in or fishless, it's your choice, but most people recommend fishless as it's less hassle and doesn't harm any fish). There is some great info about how to cycle and why you need to do it in the beginners resource centre.

 

[ZoddyZod]

Or do a fish in cycle but get hardy fish, a proper water test kit and be prepared to do water changes everyday!

but why put fish at risk when there is no need to? By doing 'fish-in' then you know that you are exposing them to ammonia and nitrite, which can be avoided.

 

[Louiseness]

He meant the bacteria in a bottle stuf you get with your aquarium that says you can have fish fine after 3 days or setting up

What? The common opinion is this doesn't cycle your tank any more than 'letting it run' does.

 

[chickennuggets123]

what do you mean?
thanks

have a read of the beginners section and look for the 'cycling' topics. Then post any questions you may have about the method.

Your filter needs to become home to bacteria which will process the waste that your fish produce. The bacteria will not magically appear if you just leave the filter running for 3 days. Cycling is the only way to do this.

OK, I'll have a look.
I've put this friendly bacteria stuff in.
I've also taken some old water out of my old fish tank, like the LPS said to. As that contains good bacteria to get you started.

 

[Louiseness]

OK, I'll have a look.
I've put this friendly bacteria stuff in.
I've also taken some old water out of my old fish tank, like the LPS said to. As that contains good bacteria to get you started.

The thing is though, it doesn't. The majority of bacteria are on your filter. However, if you already have a mature, cycled fish tank running, just take some of the media (sponges, ceramic bits or whatever) and pop them in your filter, you should be ready stock with some fish pretty much instantly.

 

[KittyKat]

And as stated in your other thread, the "run for three days then it's ready" method is a complete myth, you need to cycle the tank properly.

+1, you will end up with a fish-in cycle if you just sit the tank for a few days (there's no difference between an empty tank which has been sat for one day and one which has been sat for a few days). Please fish-less cycle.

I've put this friendly bacteria stuff in.

That stuff usually does not do anything other than pass your money to the LPS. It would be more use giving your money to a charity instead of buying the "bacteria in a bottle" products.

I've also taken some old water out of my old fish tank, like the LPS said to. As that contains good bacteria to get you started.

As mentioned above, the bacteria are on the filter media, not in the water.The LPS is trying to pull wool over your eyes so you spend money on products which don't do anything and on fish which "mysteriously" keep dying (from ammonia poisoning).

 

[chickennuggets123]

I didnt buy it... It came with the tank