Hi & Some Advice

[Prime Ordeal]

Thanks so much for the replies so far!

Few questions I have -

1 - I'm grasping the concept of fish less cycling now I think. Basically it seems we're trying to kick start the bacteria forming in the filter and in the gravel etc before we actually add the fish - thus giving us a stable environment rather than an up/down one when we first add them? And we're using ammonia to kind of imitate the waste the fishes would usually produce? One thing I don't quite understand yet, is how does just adding ammonia to dechlorinated water start this cycle? And can I have the ornaments / live plants in the tank at the same time?

The ammonia won't harm anything if dosed correctly. So yes you can have plants etc. However, having plants makes it difficult to monitor the progress of the cycle, so they're best left until the tank is cycled. Their needs are also not necessarily complementary to the needs of the bacteria during the cycle, so again, leave them until the cycle is done.

Ammonia is the food of the first type of bacteria we need to cultivate. They eat ammonia so that when we introduce fish they eat the ammonia produced by the fish.

2 - with water changes, I presume it's easy to dechlorinate the water I'm putting into the tank? and once the fish are in - are they ok with the temperature drop that this will surely temporarily cause?

You match the temperature of the new water to the tank water by mixing hot and cold. With experience you'll easily be able to do this by feel within plus or minus 1C.

3 - is the best thing regarding the light on the tank to run it on a timer that, for example, puts it on for 12 hours - then off for 12 - then on etc? I presume the filter and heater are always on?

Filter and heater always on. light on a timer a good idea, but max 8 hours and reduce if excessive algae.

Thanks again!

 

[Alex.]

Many thanks - really appreciate it.

Im going to hopefully locate some mature media to speed up the initial cycle. This works quicker by starting off with the used media already having the bacteria usually you'd have to wait for, no? And if I do locate some - do I just stick it in the tank or put it in my filter?

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Many thanks - really appreciate it.

Im going to hopefully locate some mature media to speed up the initial cycle. This works quicker by starting off with the used media already having the bacteria usually you'd have to wait for, no? And if I do locate some - do I just stick it in the tank or put it in my filter?

Hi Alex, always good to see "newbies" asking all the correct questions before diving head first into what can be quite a demanding hobby (if done the wrong way), so

I added a handful of mature media into my filter a week into my fishless cycle.. what you need to do is cram as much as you can into your filter, whether it be floss, ceramic noodles or sponges.Once you continue to add your source of ammonia the bacteria will multiply ALOT quicker.

Hope it all goes well for you.

Terry.

 

[Alex.]

Thanks Terry!

Im looking forward to getting everything started next month! I really liked the sound of putting some plants in there to add to the look but after reading up in the planted section the understanding ive gained so far seems to be back to square one!!

Think I might keep it basic to begin with unless there are some more simple plants that I can add once the first cycle is done?

The only other area I need to gain an understanding on is the actual fish of all things! Are there any useful topics or websites around that I can read up on the different types and their characteristics etc? At the moment the names mean absolutely nothing to me!

 

[The Taffy Apple]

What i done was visited a number of fish stores, made a note of the fish that i liked the look of then researched them. Certain fish do not live happily together, others prefer and need different temperatures/water parameters and PH levels, also keep in mind the size of your tank and what fish would be suitable for such a size, an all too regular mistake on this forum is hobbyists introducing fish into a tank that is far too small for their needs (i know this because i done that very thing when i first got into the hobby! ).
Once you have a general idea on the fish that you like, post up what they are and what numbers you may think are suitable for your particular tank..the many, many knowledgable enthusiasts on here will then happily point you in the right direction!

Terry.

 

[Alex.]

Well guys - i've took the plunge and ordered the tank!

I went for a Fluval Roma 125 in the end from SeaPets, as it came with a nicer cabinet and some useful kit thrown in free like a gravel cleaner, some gravel and a few extra bits!

Anyone got any experience with these?

I'm eagerly awaiting moving to my new place which i'll hopefully be in by the 29th and then can start the frist cycle before introducing the fish!

I've been doing quite a lot of reading these last few days from various websites and think i want to start off with some of the more peaceful fish so i can eventually have a good mixture in there. Out of interest, while in my LFS the other day i saw some albino dwarf frogs which looked interesting - can any amphibians/invertebrates ever be put into a tank with the peaceful fish?

Also the siamese fighter fish (Bettas are they?) are beautiful - what is the deal with these? I'm pretty sure i can only have one male but can i have a couple of females in there too?