Hi, New Here.

[Mo1959]

Hi All,

I'll start off by admitting that I have made several huge mistakes already!!!!

1. Bought a 35 litre biube, and already wishing I had just waited and got something bigger.
2. Doing a fish in cycle - sorry! The more I read up on the info on the fishless cycle here, the more I realise I should have had the patience to do it. Will definitely do it if I progress to a bigger tank later.
3. Starting with two neon tetras which I have since read are not the best in a new tank.

I have only had the fish in for just over 24 hours now and am already quite fond of the little guys (or gals) so I really want to do my best to make this work, hopefully with any advice in here to help.

I'll tell you what I plan on doing and hopefully someone will correct me if I can do it better.

Although the two neons look a bit lost on their own, I plan on waiting around 6 weeks trying to keep the tank spotless and carrying out 25% water changes every two or three days. I haven't got a testing kit but will get one to check the chemical levels over this period. I am hoping if I do things properly the two neons will make it though this period and I will be able to add another two at that point. If I make it to that stage, will I get another spike in ammonia and nitrite when I add another two fish? Hopefully just a case of keeping up the water changes till it settles again?

Thanks in anticipation for any further advice you can give me.

Maureen

 

[onebto]

Welcome to the forum Maureen

Does not matter how big your tank is you will always want one bigger sooner or later, and if thats not the case you will want another tank then another its just the way of things in this hobby

Well It sounds like you realised your mistake early on which is good, neons are not the best fish to fish in cycle the majority of tetras like mature tanks although there are some more hardy species like Glow lights.

You mentioned two actions that will give your 2 little guys a fighting chance.

1. A test kit the API freshwater master test kit is a good option, ebay is the cheapest source to my knowledge, one word of caution test strips are notoriously inaccurate so I would avoid them.

2. Water changes lots of them Daily I would recommend at least 50%

Can you get some mature media from someone locally ? this will help to kick start your cycle!

I recommend you visit the beginners resource centre in this forum and do a little reading and that will help you to understand cycling: http/www.fishforum...esource-center/

As to your question about adding another 2 fish and an Ammonia spike the simple answer is yes BUT! its best to read this: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=271928&hl= and understand why.
good luck

Regards onebto

 

[Assaye]

Sounds like your well on your way. You know you need a test kit and onebto has given you a good recommendation.

He's also linked the Resource Centre which has the essential info for getting you and your fish off to the best start.

One word of caution - I very much doubt 25% every few days will be enough. Without a test kit, you need to assume the worst which in your case would mean 50-75% water changes a day until your tank is cycled. Obviously once you get your test kits you'll work out how fast the ammonia is building up and be able to do water changes as needed to keep it at undetectable levels.

Good luck!

 

[Mo1959]

Thanks Assaye. I think I will do as you suggest and do a water change every day. If this keeps the ammonia levels pretty low for the fish's safety, will it still cycle ok? The two little neons look tiny in the tank. How much ammonia do such small fish actually produce? It is going to be hard waiting it out till they can get a couple of companions, they look a little lost in there!!! I am presuming I will be looking at around 6 - 8 weeks until I can add another couple, and even then, only if I get the required readings from my test kit when I get it.

 

[Assaye]

The cycle will still happen even if you're doing large water changes. The bacteria get a constant supply of ammonia so they don't really mind if you remove the excess every 12 hours or so.

It's hard to say how much ammonia the fish produce without knowing how much they are fed, what sort of health they are in and other stuff like that. It probably isn't very much but then again, it doesn't take very much to hurt the fish.