Dirty Tank

[fifefish]

you put ammonia that comes in a bottle..
its better to put your sand and ornaments in because other size you will just disturb the water other wise..
put the heater and filter and the lights on..this helps to start the cycling proccess

 

[pippoodle]

good luck with it and remember to cycle the tank before adding any little fishies

ok, can you please tell me what do you mean by cycle the tank? sorry I am a complete novice to this but have always dreamt of having a nice aquarium so want to get everything just right.

Here's a link that will help you with cycling

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=113861

good luck Sarah xxxx

 

[fifefish]

thanks sarah its a bit tedious to explain cycling you know

 

[pippoodle]

you put ammonia that comes in a bottle..
its better to put your sand and ornaments in because other size you will just disturb the water other wise..
put the heater and filter and the lights on..this helps to start the cycling proccess

I have never added ammonia to a tank just filled it put some food in on day 2 and then kept testing every other day and adding food 3 times a week and have completed fishless cycling in 6 weeks i know its a bit longer but i still have ammonia showing in the tank within 3 days of setting up
I have been keeping fish for a very long time - coldwaters only moved to tropical a couple of months ago and god they are easier lol

 

[weeble36]

for this cycling lark would you recommend me putting some of the stones from my baby tank that just has two loaches in, into the big tank to help get it started then? i never cycled my little tank as I didnt realise you had to do it, I have had it for 2 years now and not really had much trouble with it. It is an Aqua 40.

 

[fifefish]

thats a good tips for a cheap cycle..
i used an old filter media for my cycling, the water went brown for a brief period but it subsided and ive had the tank for a year , it is doing great thanks to the good cycle

 

[pippoodle]

for this cycling lark would you recommend me putting some of the stones from my baby tank that just has two loaches in, into the big tank to help get it started then? i never cycled my little tank as I didnt realise you had to do it, I have had it for 2 years now and not really had much trouble with it. It is an Aqua 40.

Have you got some media from that filter you could put into the new ones filter - some sponge or something would definately speed up the cycling

 

[Schmill]

Rocks won't do as the bacteria that you cultivate is in the filter on the media.
You can as above transfer some media from your current filter into the new one but never more than about 1/3.

It is WELL worth a read of the following topics, getting hold of some ammonia, and also getting a freshwater liquid test kit if you haven't got one, (API Master Test Kit is one most commonly used on here, your LFS will likely stock it or you can get them on ebay for about £20)

FISHLESS CYCLING
KNOW YOUR FILTER MEDIA
AMMONIA SOURCES - UK, USA & POSSIBLY CANADA

 

[petertr]

Another nod for Fishless Cycling

 

[Tolak]

i would never use bleach on my tank, i alway use just plain water and a scraper to clean my tank it works just fine

I, as well as many aquarists, have been using bleach safely for many years, this topic may be of interest; http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=119809&hl=

Start with the vinegar, and a plastic pot scrubber. If that doesn't work, CLR is the next step.

For really nasty tanks, Sno-Bowl toilet bowl cleaner is about as strong a cleaner as you can get.

*****Disclaimer*****

This stuff is strong hydrochloric acid. Use only in a well ventilated area, with safety goggles, long sleeves, and heavy rubber gloves. It will remove skin. It will give off fumes that will seriously irritate your lungs.

I use it outdoors, squirt it on, rub it in, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Rinse realy well with a hose, double up on dechlorinator when filling. Go easy around the seams, it will soften them. I have used this on several tanks.

Sometimes the lime buildup will actually etch the glass given enough time, if this is the case it is permanent. This is usually seen on the inside, when you fill past the etched part it fades quite a bit.