New Tank, Bad Water?

[LHann]

I started a new 15g tank 7 days ago. On day 2 I added a couple minnows to start the water cycle. They did not survive overnight. Waited 7 days, with the new filter running, 20% water change every other day with no fish in the tank. I did add some fish food to see if that would help start the cycle. The water started to get a little cloudy a couple days into this. On the 7th day I tried to add another minnow but it also did not survive overnight. My water ph is 7.6, it is city well water and I did add conditioner to neutralize the chlorine and heavy metals. And the water remains a little cloudy. Any idea why my water has been so toxic? Should I consider adding chemicals at this point to stabilize the water or totally change out my water?

 

[weezawoo]

I would advise you have a read of the links here http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/
Particularly the ones on cycling. A new filter has no 'good' bacteria to process the ammonia fish produce. It is advisable also to buy a liquid test kit to test ammonia, nitrite and nitrate!

 

[guppi]

I suggest you have a read at the Beginners Resource Center, plenty of info their to help you.

Oups somebody beat me to it.

 

[SensesFail]

I would advise you have a read of the links here http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/
Particularly the ones on cycling. A new filter has no 'good' bacteria to process the ammonia fish produce. It is advisable also to buy a liquid test kit to test ammonia, nitrite and nitrate!

Best To buy a liquid test kit test ammonia - nitrite and nitrate and post the results will give us something to go on

 

[Verminator89]

Good old fashioned "30 Days no fish" never does anybody and harm. Least its never failed me and its what i do for every new tank if i can't 'seed' one with mature media from elsewhere.

 

[LHann]

Thanks for the advice. I will checkout the links. Looks like I need to be patient and do more thorough testing.