Hi New To The Site

[mastewa]

Hi All,
 
Just setting up my tank, going to start introducing fish this weekend.
 
Mark

 

[the_lock_man]

Hi Mark,
 
Before you bung the fish in, do you know about the nitrogen cycle? And have you heard about fishless cycling?

 

[mastewa]

Yes, heard about that getting the water tested later today!!

 

[the_lock_man]

Your water will test perfectly, because if you haven't added an ammonia source to the water, there is nothing to make the water un-perfect.
 
However, when you put fish in the tank, they will start producing ammonia themselves, there will be no bacteria in your filter to cope with that ammonia, and your fish will poison themselves.
 
Have a read of this article, which explains about the nitrogen cycle in detail.
 
Please also have a read of this article which details how to get the filter ready without the possibility of harming fish. I strongly recommend this as your way forward.

 

[mastewa]

What do you need to add to the water before you add the fish?

 

[fluttermoth]

Fish produce ammonia, and if you don't have good bacteria growing in the filter, the fish can get sick or even die, as ammonia is very poisonous. The bacteria eat the ammonia and make it less toxic.
 
A 'fishless cycle' means putting ammonia into the water to help those bacteria grow before you add any fish to the tank.
 
The best source of ammonia is a household cleaner, like Jeyes Kleen Off, which you can buy online; it can be difficult to find in shops. You must make sure you buy the right kind though; one that contains ammonia and water and nothing else.