Good Morning

[Irishbhoy67]

hi folks

woke up on friday to find my wife and daughters had bought me a 64ltr INTERPET FISH-BOX complete with heater, PF water filter and substrate. To say i was delighted would be an understatement, best birthday present ever. I always loved aquariums but never had one of my own. I have just got round to unpacking everything and filling the tank with water. I know nothing about keeping fish, what fish to buy, how to treat the water etc etc so I thought what better place to go to than the fountain of all knowledge, t-internet. I had a search around and found this forum and from what i have read so far there are some very knowledegible people on here so basically I am here to learn and would appreciate any advice and guidance offered. As i say early stages for me I have filled with water and added "tapsafe" and "filter start" as per instructions. Havent bought any fish yet aand dont intend to do so until water is right. I read a bit on here earlier about "cycling" but not sure whether I need to do this if I am using "filter start", any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Noahs ark6]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

There is alot of debate as to whether the filter starts actually work, and the general feeling is that they don't.
To start a cycle, get yourself a test kit, some household ammonia and read the article about fishless cycling in my sig.
It will take anything from a week to 5 weeks, so don't expect to have fish in the tank anytime too soon.

 

[Irishbhoy67]

Thanks for this Noah. I might have to give this a try. I added the filter start yesterday when i filled the tank. today the water looks cloudy!!

 

[Noahs ark6]

Thats probably not a bad sign, it could be a bacterial bloom (and bacteria is goooood, the water will go clear again on its own in a few days). When/if you get a test kit, test the water (as per the instructions) and post the results on here

Have you turned your heater and filter on?


Cycling the tank is a must to acheive a healthy and happy tank

 

[Irishbhoy67]

Heater turned on at 24 degrees and filter turned on. Think my wife thought buy a tank throw some fish in and hey presto. There is so much info on here it's a bit daunting so I am slowly working my way through posts. Been on here reading most of the morning and the wife is cracking up, wants me out doing the garden lol. Grateful if you could point me in the right direction re plants and whether i should be going for real or artificial (or does that depend on the type of fish i get) i was just thinking I should have them in now before I buy fish !!

Help much appreciated

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Most feel that it's better to not add live plants until you are either finished with or nearly finished with your fish-less cycle

It is a little overwhelming at first but if you focus on fishless-cycling and the nitrogen cycle right now - then when you get on your way with them you can fill your waiting time with learning about which fish you want and how to stock your tank, plants, etc.

Please feel free to ask any questions you think of though! Everyone here is happy to help

I hope you do choose to fishless cycle your tank. If you do your two must have tools are household ammonia (if you're in the UK you can get it from Homebase) and a liquid freshwater test kit. They seem a little expensive but they will last you a long time. API Liquid Test Kit is generally the recommended one. You can get it for £20 from Surrey Pet Supplies, online.

 

[Noahs ark6]

You should defineatly go for real plants, they look so much nicer than fake ones and are better for water quality