Hi From Swansea Uk

[n0sweat]

Hi all,
 
I'm in sunny (!) Swansea, South Wales, UK...........
 
I'm a bit of a noob to tropical, I've set up a tank, no fish yet, aiming to get a few mollys and/or guppies in soon. I'm letting the tank settle for a week or so before I part with any cash for fish.
 
I looked about on the webz for a decent place to come for a chat and perhaps some advice about fishkeeping in general, this place looked like the best option as it seems busy, friendly and informative that's why I'm here basically, as they say :=]
 
Thanks for having me.........
 
 
 
 

 

[fluttermoth]

Welcome to the forum
 
I'm afraid 'letting the tank settle' won't do anything to prepare your tank for fish. You will need to 'cycle' the tank first; that means growing a colony of good bacteria in the filter that will eat the fish's wastes and stop the water becoming toxic.
 
Have  look at the threads and articles in 'Cycle your Tank' sub forum here; http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/forum/291-cycle-your-tank/ for more detailed info

 

[CSnyder00]

I agree. Cycle and then talk with us before stocking. Many people start the hobby by overloading their tank and then failing to see why are their fish are dying. Get with us first. We want your experience to be a good one.

 

[n0sweat]

Thanks fm/CS....
 
Yes I've been reading through already about cycling the tank...........seems it's a bit more involved than I thought.
 
The tank was donated by a neighbour who had a disaster with it while away for a few days. It contained a number of small fish (I don't know the type off hand) The filter pump (which is quite large and powerful) slipped off it's mooring and spewed most of the water out (she didn't have an evaporation cover or a hood !!)
Long story short.....all her fish went kaput so she gave me the whole kaboosh. Anyway I've reset it back up, everything that should be working is doing so its seems. (heater, pump light etc) I have to get various accessories such as a thermometer and it looks like a testing kit for PH ammonia nitrite etc.
 
There's no hood so I will make up a nice good whitewood example asap. I will then install an evap cover and fix in the fluorescent light. I've placed some nice clean rocks rocks from my garden along with plants from my garden pond.
 
I've had a few tropical in the house many moons ago but it was more my wife's hobby although  I know a little about the subject . She is leaving this one up to me :=]
 
I will scrounge my grandsons iPhone later and take a few pics and post 'em up.
 
TY again

 

[Ninjouzata]

to TFF, hope you enjoy it here.
 
As above I would definitely cycle it first. It might sound a bit difficult but it's not, and if you have any questions everyone here is happy to help! Be sure to get a liquid test kit and not the strips. Can't wait to see pics

 

[Mamashack]

Welcome to TFF, n0sweat!
Hope you manage to get your tank cycled ok. It's the kindest thing to do for your future fish.
Have you any pictures? We love pictures!!

 

[n0sweat]

TY again ppl!
 
Will be posting a few pics soon in the correct place also a question or two in the "Cycle your Tank" thread :=]