Jacqui & Andy

[jacand]

That is how new we are, the tank has been set up since Tuesday (28th June), did 6 water tests yesterday, nitrite was too high will test again and clean tomorrow and new fish go in Tue 5th july. 3 male guppys and 5 neon tetra's have been recomended by pet shop - Pets at Home

We are trying to find as much info as possible via internet and books, nice to have found this forum!

BTW we are from east Sussex and have hard water!

 

[abstract]

hi, and welcome to the forum! i'm sure you'll find a ton of useful information here that will hopefully make the fishkeeping experience worth it.

first, some questions...do you currently have fish in the tank? how many and what kind? if you do not have fish, your nitrite reading should be 0.

next, what size tank is it? does it have a heater and what type of filtration? i'm sure the pet store went over all of this with you, but it's good for us to know.

now, for a little advice, first i'll direct you to some of our "pinned topics." these contain some great information written by fellow forum members...they contain some information that is absolutely necessary before dealing with your local fish store (you will see it abbreviated "lfs" a lot here) next.

first, read this.. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=10099

next, some useful rules http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=6756

more great info.. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=13133

as for stocking your tank, unfortunately guppies and neons may not be good choices..neons are known as one of the least hardy fish out there and will mos tlikely die due to the cycling process....also many strains of guppies are not hardy as well.

if you don't have fish in there now, you could always try to do a "fishless cycle"...see information below..
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=73365

i know that is a lot of information to read and all, but just browse through it...if you have any questions feel free to ask! and enjoy your stay!

 

[jacand]

No fish in tank

Fluvel Uno 600 tank that came with everything including heater and fluvel 2 filter. tank is 63L.

The nitrite was 2.0 yeasterday - I put in 2 caps of cycle and will teat again tomorrow along with the water change.

Thanks for the links - we will look at them tonight.

What fish and how many would be best to start with please???

 

[Ami]

guys!

You should be okay to add neons after you've cycled. They normally like soft acidic water but can cope with harder water. I'm in Farnborough and have hardish water, but only ever use a dechlorinator at water changes.

Guppies tend to like harder water so might be better.

About cycling, if you read the topics in the beginner forum you'll learn that you can cheat by adding ammonia. I've just cycled my tank in a week using some from HomeBase (£1.97 for a bottle).

Not sure what the 'cycle' stuff is you refer too. I think most of the marketed cycling things don't really work.