greengoddess
Fish Crazy
Here's the obligatory chronological fact sheet:
24.02.10 = Amm 4.0
25.02.10 = Amm 3.5 | pH 9-9.5
27.02.10 = Amm 2.5 | pH 9-9.5 (Add 0.5ml .880 Ammonia)
27.02.10b = Amm 4.0 | Nitrite 0.0
28.02.10 = Amm 4.0
01.03.10 = Amm 3.0 | pH 9.3 | Nitrite 0.0
02.03.10 = Amm 3.0
03.03.10 = Amm 3.0
04.03.10 = Amm 3.0
05.03.10 = forgot to test
06.03.10 = Amm 3.0
07.03.10 = forgot to test
08.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite off scale, possibly 5.0 | Nitrate >110 | pH 9.3 | Added ammonia to take level back to 4ppm
09.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 5.0 | Nitrate 110. Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
10.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 4.0 | Nitrate 110. Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
11.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate 110 | pH 7.7 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
12.03.10 = Amm 0.0 Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
13.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate off scale (>110) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
14.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate off scale (>110) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
15.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate off scale (>110) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
16.03.10 = 95% water change to reduce very high nitrate level. Refilled tank and added 3.5ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3.5ppm | pH now 7.5 - 8.0
17.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate 90 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
18.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate 90 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
19.03.10 = Amm 1.5 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate 90
20.03.10 = Holidays
21.03.10 = Added 3.2ml ammonia
22.03.10 = Holidays
23.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.0 | Nitrate 70 (or possibly off scale) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
24.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.0 | Nitrate probably off scale (>110) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
25.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.0 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
26.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.0 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
27.03.10 = Amm 1.5 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate >110 (through the roof!) | pH 7.0
28.03.10 = 95% water change | pH now 6.8 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
29.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate 110 | pH 6.8 (added some more bicarb to slightly increase pH)
30.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | pH 6.8 - added yet more bicarb to raise pH | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
31.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | pH 7.5 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
01.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
02.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
03.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
04.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate through the roof (>110) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
05.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
06.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
07.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
08.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | pH 7.0 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
09.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
11.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite (very high) >3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
12.04.10 = 95% water change | pH now 7.5 | 3.2ml of ammonia added | Small pinch of fish food added
13.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
14.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
15.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
16.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
17.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
18.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
20.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
21.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | pH 7.5 | Nitrate unmeasureable | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
22.04.10 = 95% water change | pH now 7.5 | 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
23.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
24.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
25.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
26.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
27.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
28.04.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | pH 6.7 | Added bicarb to increase pH | No ammonia added today
29.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | pH 7.6 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
30.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
01.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
02.05.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Mistakenly added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
03.05.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | No ammonia added today
04.05.10 = Forgot to test
05.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
06.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
07.05.10 = Very ill, unable to get out of bed to test
08.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
09.05.10 = Very ill, unable to test
10.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
11.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
12.05.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | No ammonia added today
13.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia | Added huge wad of flaked fish food
14.05.10 = AWAY ON HOLIDAY - tank left untouched.
25.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | pH 7.3 | Nitrate 100 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
26.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
27.05.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | No ammonia added today
28.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
29.05.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | No ammonia added today
30.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
31.05.10 = Amm 0.5 | Nitrite 3.3 | No ammonia added today
01.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
02.06.10 = 95% water change | 2 spoons of bicarb added, pH now 9.0 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
03.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 2.0 | pH 7.5 , added some more bicarb | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
04.06.10 = Day 100 - Amm 1.5 | Nitrite 1.0 | pH 7.4, added more bicarb
05.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Nitrate 100 | pH 7.4, added more bicarb | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
06.06.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 2.0 | pH 7.8, added more bicarb
07.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 2.0 | pH 7.8, added more bicarb | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
08.06.10 = Amm 2.0 | Nitrite 5.0 | pH 7.8
09.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 2.0 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
10.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.25 | pH 9.0 (approx) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
11.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Nitrate 120ppm | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
12.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added ammonia to increase level to 5ppm
13.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added ammonia to return level to 5ppm
14.06.10 = (After 12 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 5.0 | 95% water change after testing, added 5ppm ammonia
15.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.25 | Nitrate 40 | Added 5ppm ammonia
16.06.10 = (After 12 hours) = Amm 0.5 | Nitrite 5.0
16.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 1.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
17.06.10 = (After 12 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 5.0
17.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 2.0 | Forgot to add ammonia
18.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | pH 8.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
19.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 5.0 | pH 8.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
20.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 5.0 | pH 8.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
21.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.5 | pH 8.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
22.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.5 | Added 5ppm ammonia
23.06.10 = (After 30 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
24.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
25.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
26.06.10 = (After 27 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
27.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
28.06.10 = (After 21 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.25 | Added 5ppm ammonia
29.06.10 = (After 27 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
30.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
01.07.10 = Forgot to test
02.07.10 = Added 5ppm ammonia
03.07.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
04.07.10 = (After 12 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 5.0
Hi everyone,
I am ready to start my first ever fishless cycle. My new tank is a Jewel Rio 240 litre and it's contents will eventually be 2 fantail goldfish and some white cloud mountain minnows.
Today I have got the tank and cabinet put together, I've washed the gravel, got the tank background on and filled it up with dechlorinated water.
My first question is to do with the arrangement of my filter sponges. After a long discussion with Waterdrop it has been decided that crushed coral must be added to my filter from day one because my tap water is really bad (extremely soft).
Here's a picture of my filter from the user manual:
Starting at the bottom, there are two fine blue sponges. On top of that is a plastic basket that contains "Cirax". From what I've learned on this forum, I don't believe that this product (Cirax) is essential to a filter system and I was thinking of emptying it out and putting my crushed coral in there. What do you think?
On top of the plastic basket, there is a coarse blue sponge and on top of that is a fine green sponge that the user manual calls a "Nitrate Removal Sponge". Above that is a black "Active Carbon Sponge". Also after being on this forum I have read that carbon is not necessary and should be removed. Any thoughts?
Finally there is a thin white wool filter pad which "acts as a mechanical pre-filter, removing large particles of dirt and excess food which in turn ensures that the other sponges do not get clogged."
So, to summarize:
1: Can I throw away the Cirax and replace it with some crushed coral?
2. Do I take out the black carbon filter?
3. Other than that, are the other filters correct and in the correct order?
24.02.10 = Amm 4.0
25.02.10 = Amm 3.5 | pH 9-9.5
27.02.10 = Amm 2.5 | pH 9-9.5 (Add 0.5ml .880 Ammonia)
27.02.10b = Amm 4.0 | Nitrite 0.0
28.02.10 = Amm 4.0
01.03.10 = Amm 3.0 | pH 9.3 | Nitrite 0.0
02.03.10 = Amm 3.0
03.03.10 = Amm 3.0
04.03.10 = Amm 3.0
05.03.10 = forgot to test
06.03.10 = Amm 3.0
07.03.10 = forgot to test
08.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite off scale, possibly 5.0 | Nitrate >110 | pH 9.3 | Added ammonia to take level back to 4ppm
09.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 5.0 | Nitrate 110. Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
10.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 4.0 | Nitrate 110. Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
11.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate 110 | pH 7.7 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
12.03.10 = Amm 0.0 Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
13.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate off scale (>110) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
14.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate off scale (>110) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
15.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate off scale (>110) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
16.03.10 = 95% water change to reduce very high nitrate level. Refilled tank and added 3.5ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3.5ppm | pH now 7.5 - 8.0
17.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate 90 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
18.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate 90 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
19.03.10 = Amm 1.5 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate 90
20.03.10 = Holidays
21.03.10 = Added 3.2ml ammonia
22.03.10 = Holidays
23.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.0 | Nitrate 70 (or possibly off scale) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
24.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.0 | Nitrate probably off scale (>110) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
25.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.0 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
26.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.0 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
27.03.10 = Amm 1.5 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate >110 (through the roof!) | pH 7.0
28.03.10 = 95% water change | pH now 6.8 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
29.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate 110 | pH 6.8 (added some more bicarb to slightly increase pH)
30.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | pH 6.8 - added yet more bicarb to raise pH | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
31.03.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | pH 7.5 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
01.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
02.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
03.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
04.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Nitrate through the roof (>110) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
05.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
06.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
07.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
08.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | pH 7.0 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
09.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
11.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite (very high) >3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
12.04.10 = 95% water change | pH now 7.5 | 3.2ml of ammonia added | Small pinch of fish food added
13.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
14.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
15.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
16.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
17.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
18.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
20.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
21.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | pH 7.5 | Nitrate unmeasureable | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
22.04.10 = 95% water change | pH now 7.5 | 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
23.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
24.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
25.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
26.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
27.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
28.04.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | pH 6.7 | Added bicarb to increase pH | No ammonia added today
29.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | pH 7.6 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
30.04.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
01.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
02.05.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Mistakenly added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
03.05.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | No ammonia added today
04.05.10 = Forgot to test
05.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
06.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
07.05.10 = Very ill, unable to get out of bed to test
08.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
09.05.10 = Very ill, unable to test
10.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
11.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
12.05.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | No ammonia added today
13.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia | Added huge wad of flaked fish food
14.05.10 = AWAY ON HOLIDAY - tank left untouched.
25.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | pH 7.3 | Nitrate 100 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
26.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
27.05.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | No ammonia added today
28.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
29.05.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | No ammonia added today
30.05.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
31.05.10 = Amm 0.5 | Nitrite 3.3 | No ammonia added today
01.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 3.3 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
02.06.10 = 95% water change | 2 spoons of bicarb added, pH now 9.0 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
03.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 2.0 | pH 7.5 , added some more bicarb | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
04.06.10 = Day 100 - Amm 1.5 | Nitrite 1.0 | pH 7.4, added more bicarb
05.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Nitrate 100 | pH 7.4, added more bicarb | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
06.06.10 = Amm 1.0 | Nitrite 2.0 | pH 7.8, added more bicarb
07.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 2.0 | pH 7.8, added more bicarb | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
08.06.10 = Amm 2.0 | Nitrite 5.0 | pH 7.8
09.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 2.0 | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
10.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.25 | pH 9.0 (approx) | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
11.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Nitrate 120ppm | Added 3.2ml of ammonia to take level back to approx 3ppm
12.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added ammonia to increase level to 5ppm
13.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added ammonia to return level to 5ppm
14.06.10 = (After 12 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 5.0 | 95% water change after testing, added 5ppm ammonia
15.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.25 | Nitrate 40 | Added 5ppm ammonia
16.06.10 = (After 12 hours) = Amm 0.5 | Nitrite 5.0
16.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 1.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
17.06.10 = (After 12 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 5.0
17.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 2.0 | Forgot to add ammonia
18.06.10 = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | pH 8.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
19.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 5.0 | pH 8.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
20.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 5.0 | pH 8.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
21.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.5 | pH 8.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
22.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.5 | Added 5ppm ammonia
23.06.10 = (After 30 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
24.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
25.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
26.06.10 = (After 27 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
27.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
28.06.10 = (After 21 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.25 | Added 5ppm ammonia
29.06.10 = (After 27 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
30.06.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
01.07.10 = Forgot to test
02.07.10 = Added 5ppm ammonia
03.07.10 = (After 24 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 0.0 | Added 5ppm ammonia
04.07.10 = (After 12 hours) = Amm 0.0 | Nitrite 5.0
Hi everyone,
I am ready to start my first ever fishless cycle. My new tank is a Jewel Rio 240 litre and it's contents will eventually be 2 fantail goldfish and some white cloud mountain minnows.
Today I have got the tank and cabinet put together, I've washed the gravel, got the tank background on and filled it up with dechlorinated water.
My first question is to do with the arrangement of my filter sponges. After a long discussion with Waterdrop it has been decided that crushed coral must be added to my filter from day one because my tap water is really bad (extremely soft).
Here's a picture of my filter from the user manual:
Starting at the bottom, there are two fine blue sponges. On top of that is a plastic basket that contains "Cirax". From what I've learned on this forum, I don't believe that this product (Cirax) is essential to a filter system and I was thinking of emptying it out and putting my crushed coral in there. What do you think?
On top of the plastic basket, there is a coarse blue sponge and on top of that is a fine green sponge that the user manual calls a "Nitrate Removal Sponge". Above that is a black "Active Carbon Sponge". Also after being on this forum I have read that carbon is not necessary and should be removed. Any thoughts?
Finally there is a thin white wool filter pad which "acts as a mechanical pre-filter, removing large particles of dirt and excess food which in turn ensures that the other sponges do not get clogged."
So, to summarize:
1: Can I throw away the Cirax and replace it with some crushed coral?
2. Do I take out the black carbon filter?
3. Other than that, are the other filters correct and in the correct order?