I'm A Fool.

[-FighterFishh]

After taking most of the slimy stuff out my tank, I took the filter out and took it apart to clean it. My first mistake was to wash it in tap water. Then, I reassembled it and put it back in. I spoke to my mum, and she told me to put more bacteria in to try and replace those that may have died in the chlorinated water. So, I put it in. This was my second mistake. I didn't shake it. God knows why I thought some bits in what looked like water would do any use -.-
I just wondered if this would affect the bacteria or where it grows? There are still some pieces floating about the tank but most of it seems to have gone. Should I shake up and add some more bacteria? And also, do I need to wait till adding fish to the tank? It's nearing the end of it's cycle and I fear that I've completely ruined it
Thank you!

 

[Gilli]

Im afraid you bacteria will be dead which means you have to start again. You might be lucky with some surviving in which case it wont take quite as long as 6-8 weeks before you are cycled. Never ever wash your filter in tap water - always use tank water. See if you have any friends that have a cycled tank who would be willing to let you have some mature media from their filter to speed things up.

 

[-FighterFishh]

Im afraid you bacteria will be dead which means you have to start again. You might be lucky with some surviving in which case it wont take quite as long as 6-8 weeks before you are cycled. Never ever wash your filter in tap water - always use tank water. See if you have any friends that have a cycled tank who would be willing to let you have some mature media from their filter to speed things up.

Oh poo -.-
Okay, thank you.
I don't know anyone else with a tank, either.
If I took some of the lava rocks from my tank and placed them under the filter, would the bacteria from them be sucked up? I know it's a long shot but it might just work.

 

[bae1994]

SHUT UP(sorry had to with the title, the A team rules lol)

the lava rock may help

 

[-FighterFishh]

SHUT UP(sorry had to with the title, the A team rules lol)

the lava rock may help

Ahaa xD
Okay, I'll plop in a few rocks. Even if they don't work I'm sure they'll probably release a little ammonia or something in, since they're used for biological filteration in my biOrb

 

[MikeO]

I pity the foo'!

 

[-FighterFishh]

I pity the foo'!

And so you should!
I'll probably end up waiting another 2 weeks to put fish in now!

 

[anon02]

Have you tested your tank with ammonia to see if you`ve lost your bacteria ? There are quite a few documented cases of bacterial resistance to short term low level chlorine exposure

 

[-FighterFishh]

Have you tested your tank with ammonia to see if you`ve lost your bacteria ? There are quite a few documented cases of bacterial resistance to short term low level chlorine exposure

No, I'm afraid I don't have any pure ammonia. I'm hoping to pick some up soon though.

 

[Harlequins]

We all make mistakes unfortunately,just remember never to do it again in tap water...

If you haven't had any ammonia,how have you been fishless cycling for 2 weeks?

 

[Joshwainwright]

Confused.