Filter Questions!

[Ifti]

The "wait a week or two" option is not the advice you are being given on this forum. For the well being of the fish that have to live there, we advise you to take the time, research the threads offered here, and really cycle the filter prior to adding fish. This typically takes a good bit longer than two weeks, but the results can be amazing.

Will do - I thought it was a week or two from other places I have read. Nevertheless, you guys know your stuff so I wont complain!

And I'm not saying the Interpret Filter Start will not help the cycle, but many question the effectiveness of that type of product. How do bacteria remain alive in a closed bottle for more than a week or so? They need a fresh flow of water, oxygen, and food (ammonia) to stay alive. Your best bet for cycling is to get a source of pure ammonia (10% ammonia, 90% water, no additives) and start feeding that into the tank to start the cycle. The bacteria that already live in your water source will start to thrive.

Very true. Didnt think of it like that. I guess since I have a bottle that came with th etank, I will use it, but just not purchase any more. In the meantime I will also be adding ammonia to the tank as well

You have already received some good advice and if you start a cycle log similar to most you will read in this beginner section you will continue to do so. For now the best advice that I can offer is to completely ignore point 12 in post # 10

Will do. I guess the general consensus on cycling is that it takes as long as it takes to get the water condition correct - so no firm rule on how long.....

 

[waterdrop]

"Will do. I guess the general consensus on cycling is that it takes as long as it takes to get the water condition correct - so no firm rule on how long....."

Excellent Ifti! This shows that GVG's and the other members communications have made sense to you. This is exactly what I think we were all trying to say! When our newcomers arrive they are trying to put together action plans for their tank and usually start with generalizations like this or that number of weeks, this or that percentage water change. They are trying to grab hold of simple rules. Then we come along with what sounds like contradictions and complications. It takes a while but pretty soon you realize that we're just trying to help you past the simple generalizations and up to understanding simple processes. Understanding a process is a more powerful tool for you when it replaces a simple fixed rule. Luckily, most of our processes are pretty simple themselves, but they increase the success you can have with your tank.

Good water is the key to healthy and happy fish. Learn how to work with your water effectively and the basic thing of healthy fish will happen, allowing you to move on to learning how the different species interact with their own kind and other species and then to enjoy their look and behavior in your tank!

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Ifti]

Cheers mate.
Yes, I guess I was a little silly in assuming it would be so quick and easy. I really didnt realise importance of the correct water conditions, and so on. Its a lot to take in for a complete beginner, like myself, but the advice given has been clear and concise, and I thank all members who have contributed, and continued to contribute, greatly! You've saved some fish-lives!!

Once all my bits arrive I'll be back on to pester you with more questions no doubt, trying to get my water balance correct. The kids just want some fish in there now, but Im trying to teach them as I go along (they think I know everything - little do they know its you guys educating me!! lol) on the importance of water balancing, and so on. Pretty difficult trying to explain these to a 5 and 3 year old! lol Hopefully they will enjoy the entire process as much as me!

 

[waterdrop]

Good for you Dad! Hey, it's obvious that we on the forum are an unnoticably tiny fraction of the people out there having tanks and most are just going to just throw fish into tapwater and go for the luck of the draw. I was in the LFS yesterday and had my usual experience of just being some old, silent guy standing in the tank isles while all about me there were harried and rushed moms and dads obviously being coaxed into giant mistakes by little tykes pointing at fish in tanks and wanting them.

From my own experience I certainly have found it to be deeper and richer to at least -try- to share the science (what little that I know) with my children as they gaze in wonder. The years are so short when there is the openness. All too soon the social context will harden most of them and a lot of the window of first learning will be gone, replaced by the limitations of time and money that bar most of us from much consideration of the dazzling natural complexity around us.

~~waterdrop~~