Hello Everyone!

[Quacker]

Hi

Just started with my Juwel Rekord 96 and looking to do the fishless cycle. I've read up on it and again finding trouble locating Ammonia now that Boots no longer stock it. So until I locate some, I'm behind schedule. Fortunately, there's no hurry. I've seen the thread, but not sure how up to date is is - can anyone advise (online postage is often double the cost of the item). Surely LFS might care to start stocking this?

Secondly, I'm looking for advice for good LFS's in the north east of England. I live in the Washington/Gateshead area, but am prepared to travel for good stock & service if necessary - rather than trial and error. Apologies if I am breaking any advertising rules (please advise) but I'm certain that as long as it is not derogotary to a company they can be discussed?

Finally (whew) silly question I know, I'm a way off buying stock yet, but what is the (approx) cost of fish these days? - I know it will vary from store to store, location to location, but is there a guide, or rule of thumb?

Sorry for the barrage, I'm just too keen!

Steve

 

[Ace Of Spades]

Hi Welcome to the forum mate, here is a link to the UK Fish store [topic="49879"]Directory[/topic]. Have a flick through there and there will probally be a few in your area that have been rated by some TFF members.

The fish cost question is very hard to answer, as it depends on the area you live in and the rarity of the fish but normally smallish sort of fish are round £1.25 - £6

Hope to see you around

Ace Of Spades

 

[chrisn20]

Hi there, you should still be able to get the ammonia in Boots. I only started my tank (same one as yours) 5-6 weeks ago and got mine in Rochdale branch. Its just called 'household ammonia', plain white bottle and cost a couple of quid.

Cant help with your other questions, sorry, only a beginner myself and hoping to get my first fish at the weekend. I am going to BAS in Bolton, supposed to be the best store around this part of the world, they have an online store and seem to stock loads of fish but not sure about the prices.

 

[rossyt99]

Hello and welcome Steve,

I live in North-East also and from approx.12 years of fishkeeping I have found that 'Betta Aquaria' in Byker to be the best in quality and service.....It's in Denmark St., just off the main road through Byker.
*Note; Unfortunately they are closed on Sundays.
They have lots of choice (Tropical, Coldwater + Marine) and the plants are very good and cheap.

If you want advice/info on any fish, then go to the building which does not have fish in and the older couple are experts on all fish matters.!! (>It has the equipment and accessories in that building)

I find the fish from here to be better quality and healthier than other aquatics/ garden centres in region.

If you type in 'Betta Aquaria' on a websearch you should find a PFK Review and map directions.

Hope it goes well.

 

[Quacker]

Thanks for the replies all. I can categorically state Boots (at least in the north east) are no longer selling ammonia - they confirmed they used to and today my other half (in Jarrow) and myself (in Washington) visited a branch of Boots who confirmed the same.

So annoying as will have to wait until weekend now, or find a Home Base or somewhere on the way home from work. Sadly the first LFS I asked didn't recommend fishless cycling. - one chain I visited had never heard of it and tried to sell me a bottle of quickstart advising it would mature the tank immediately - so much mis-information out there. I'm a complete beginner but knew the advise was wrong.

Fortunately, we have the web!

Steve

 

[KeTeL1]

Welcome! these guys r good, they'll set u up. I live in NY so.

 

[littlest]

Do you have any pound shops near you? I've bought ammonia from places like that before. Also markets sometimes have stalls selling cleaning products and they sometimes have ammonia. You'll need to check the ingredients, or if it doesn't list ingredients shkae the bottle and open it - if it foams its no good.

While you're are waiting to get ammonia you could put some fish food in the tank. This will break down and release ammonia, getting your cycle started. You can fishless cycle using just fish food (or some people use frozen prawns).. it just makes it harder control the amount of ammonia.

 

[OldMan47]

In addition to fish food, I have seen suggestions about putting a prawn in the tank, one you might buy as food, and letting it rot to get the ammonia build up going. I've never tried it because ammonia was easy to find here but I am told that it can definitely smell while its working. Suggestions ran along the lines of putting it in some netting so it would be easy to put out in the bin when you're done with it.

 

[betta_luvr]

You should shake the bottle to make sure there are no suds- if bubbles are present that means the ammonia contains detergents, which can be harmful to fish.