Is Nitrate Important In A Test Kit? What About A Dechlorinater?

[flying_jack]

Hi all, Do you think nitrAte is imprtant in a test kit. i have just ordered Ammonia and NitrIte.

My tank has been running for around 3 days now to naturally dechlorinate etc. My friend gave me one neon tetra although i have read there not ideal to cycle he seems ok at the moment. my test kit should come in the next few days, so how to i start?

Also another question, if you dont dechloriante the water what could potentially happen?

 

[Bobtastic]

It is very important to dechlorinate water that you're putting into the tank if it is from a urban/city water supply. It is added in to kill bacteria and it would do the same in your filter. Chlorine in the water will kill the bacteria in your filter and stop it processing the Ammonia and Nitrites

I would say that if you keep up with regular water changes, gravel/sand cleaning and filter maintenance then NitrAte levels aren't that important.

Neon Tetra's are not hardy in the slightest and not suitable to cycle a tank with.

If you have any questions about the cycling processes (fish-in and fishless) check the links in my signature. I would also recommend reading through the Beginners Resource Center if you haven't done so already.

 

[Marve99]

Chlorine is toxic to the fish and will potentail kill your bacteria colony. Dechlorinator is cheap and easy to use.

 

[flying_jack]

ok thanks all. If i leave water out for 24 hours is that ok?

 

[Bobtastic]

I'm not really sure that would make much difference to the water... other than making it room temperature...

Do you have the facility to leave 30% of your tanks capacity "standing" for 24hrs?

 

[Marve99]

I use of a dechlorinator which deals with chlorine. It has lasted me forever, was very cheap and easy to use

 

[flying_jack]

ok. i see the edits! LOL

Thanks again!

Do you have the facility to leave 30% of your tanks capacity "standing" for 24hrs?

my tank is only 63 litres

 

[Bobtastic]

There are some pretty cheap dechlorinators on the market. Some work out cheaper cos only small amounts dechlorinated quick large volumes of water (Seachem Prime - 5ml = 200L) and if you buy in bulk it tend to lower the price. I have also heard of ppl using pond dechlorinators.

If it does work (not sure either way) you'd need to make sure that nothing gets into the water. Things like surface cleaners and air fresheners can poison fish, even when they are sprayed in the same room as an open tank.

 

[ZoddyZod]

my tank is only 63 litres

I thought your 'mates' tank was 63 litres and you were 'planning' to get a 180L one?