Newbie Here!

[RedeyesUK]

Ammonia shouldn't be too difficult to find. If you read the thread on here about homebase ammonia, you'll see it is readily available in Boots, Robert Dyas, Homebase (although that sounds a little suspect!), and even on ebay. It sounds like a specialist sort of thing to get, but you might be surprised!

As for the filter, how long do you think it'll be before you can get another one? If you're going the two-filter route, then I see no reason why you can't get the cycle started with your one existing filter, then add the second one at a later stage in the cycle. It might slow your cycle down a little, but shouldn't do any real harm.

*has thought* Is there any reason the tank couldn't be cycled with less water, ie 3/4 full? This would mean the filter would be up to capacity during the cycle. Or is that a bad idea? That's a question for the usual suspects, I think (you know who you are! ).

 

[rabbut]

It would be possible to do that Redeyes, but I'd run it full personally. If it won't complete the cycle with one filter, it will show that the filter isn't suited to the tank and needs "re-inforcements" That could then be used if nessisary to bring your dad round to agreeing with a secong filter

All the best
Rabbut

 

[Miss Wiggle]

no problem re the second filter, just bear in mind that while you've just got one filter on it you can't stock the tank too heavily, even if you can't get another filter for a couple of months you can go through the whole cycle and stock the tank with just the one. It's just somethng to be aware of is all, then when you can get another filter or upgrade the current one, then you know you can step the stocking up a notch

 

[dissimulo]

Well, i really appreciate all of your suggestions and you have all been a great help. At school im getting wined and moaned at for starting up an aquarium because its 'gay'. I don't think so. I think it's a great hobby and i enjoy doing it....correctly. As for the filtrations, i think i need to prove to my dad that the tank will not be cycling sufficiantly on the one filter (i.e the water might be green or something) and i think he will change his mind. I like the idea of putting less water in the tank to lower the work load for the filter, but i might as well see how things go...that's when i get my tank this weekend and hopefully the ammonia. Does it matter if i only have three ornaments in my tank or does there need to be more real plants etc.?

Cheers,
Luke.

 

[rabbut]

At school im getting wined and moaned at for starting up an aquarium because its 'gay'.

I had that issue too... Actualy had one person realy asking for it at one point. Started using it as an excuse to push and shove me, at which point my mates pointed out my martial arts background and he had second thoughts..... Some people are absolute twats

Can't realy advise how to get out of it. If they are agressinve, you won't realy want to give them reason to have a go. If they are saying it jokeily, mebe find something about them that is "gay". If they are saying it agressively, it's probibly best to ignore it. There is a saying in martial arts circles; "the best fighter never fights". Basically, a good fighter will never have a reason to do so and will look to walk away from the situation wherever possible

If thay do put you in a bad situation, make sure there are plenty of witnesses, and you only block the first few blows, don't react. You often find, that after blocking a few blows, your ageressor will start to back down, realising that you aren't going to do anything to them, and it takes their fun away. Wherever possible, ignoring cowards (read bullies) is the best way to deal with them.

All the best
Rabbut

EDIT TO ADD: plants and ornaments are up to personal choice. If you feel more plants are appropriate, stick a few in. If it look fine without, don't bother

 

[dissimulo]

Thank you so much Rabbut, the people that do it think it's a laugh but at times they can take it out of hand. I do as you say 'to ignore them' but i guess im just one of those unlucky people that gets taunted from time to time. I would'nt really call it bullying but you get my drift. Anyway, enough of my school life. Do you think an 8kg bag of gravel will fill my tank (dimensions on first post) or do you think i should perhaps get a second bag? Thanks for your support once again.

Cheers,
Luke.

 

[waterdrop]

Yes, good advice from rabbut there. I'd say you are already taking steps to learn and enjoy things that are part of the huge intellectual world open to everyone out there. In contrast, at some point, there are those that begin to separate off and will be doing little but sitting watching tv forever...

 

[dissimulo]

And by that i guess you mean that some people would rather exclude themselves from contact with other people and to be quite honest, be very selfish. Whereas there are people that like to socialise and become part of a community which is, in my opinion, very important in life. I mean i'm only 15, yet i could't possibly imagine myself never socialising because it is soo important. By the way i'm sorry for totally changing the subject of the topic but i would just like to thank everyone that has contributed there advice to me, after all, this is all new to me, im a NOOB!

Gosh i hadn't realised how many views this topic had recieved untill i accidently deleted my bookmarks.

Cheers,
Luke.

 

[rabbut]

8kg would probibly give you some spare I'd still get 8kg though, deaper substrate=easier planting if you latter choose to go there

 

[Miss Wiggle]

sorry to hear you're getting some stick at school, if it's any consolation to you i've been there and now i'm past it and i can see the bigger picture. i got bullied in school, as did my other half, my mates at school were sorta outsiders we were into classical music and got picked on for being music geeks totally excluded from a lot of stuff and not part of the 'cool' circle at school. now, at 25, me and all those friends are really settled and happy, we've all got really good careers getting onto management level in our chosen fields, we're all settled with really nice partners and stuff and generally pretty happy. I went back to the home town I went to school in a year or so ago, went to a drive through MacDonalds...... and guess who served me..... yup the same idiot who made my life a misery all through school.

Sometimes it's hard to do it, but school is one small part of your life, look at the bigger picture, for working hard at school and not just being a sheep and going along with what everyone else you're starting on a road to a happy and fulfilled life.

 

[dissimulo]

Thanks Miss Wiggle, it's true what you say and now i feel better knowing that at the end of the day, i'm the one recieving nothing less than an A in all my subjects and they're the ones not even managing to complete a single assignment. I do what i think makes me feel happy and yeah i've got plenty of great friends but i'ts those few idiots that make things a misery. But now i'm slightly annoyed with myself for spending £80 on all the kit for a fish tank, not to mention another £80 on my new tank when i could of just bought the same tank (as a kit) for £60 and took the filter and heater (which are exactly the same as mine) back to pets at home...and saved myself quite a bit. In fact i spoke to my dad and that's wht im gonna do. Buy a kit tank, take the kits filter and heater to get a refund (or at least the heater) and all the rst of the stuff i have already bought is what i would have had to buy regardless. I might keep the second Stingray but i'm not sure yet. Thanks very much for your support, you've made me feel better about myself today.

Cheers,
Luke.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

Thanks very much for your support, you've made me feel better about myself today.

I'm really glad Luke

 

[dissimulo]

It looks like i'm getting a 60 litre tank after all...oh well. I hate it when people over price things, they wanted £85 for it when it is only £68 on the internet. I think i will order it on the internet, unless you advise not to. By the way its the Elite 60 Glass Aquarium if you want to have a look.

Cheers,
Luke.

 

[dissimulo]

Hi. Long time no speak. Hope your all ok. I have my new tank now and it's fantastic, but, i now need guidance on the cycle if that's possible. My dad said i can't buy ammonia and won't let me plus i can't find any in any hardware store etc. So......fish food? And i need to know the best place for my heater as i belive it should go horizontal in the middle of the back of the tank but my step-bro believes it needs to go vertical in the corner. Thanks guys.

Cheers,
Luke.

 

[locust267]

I really wouldn't advise using fish food, that's what I used when I started out and ended up with all sorts of problems and it delayed the cycle

You will find the ammonia in Robert dyas, boots, homebase etc but in the cleaning section, I always see loads of bottles sat on the shelf so maybe ask a staff member.

It's a shame your dad wont let you use it, could you maybe explain why it's such a good idea, if he is worried about it maybe get him to help you. I'm assuming he doesn't like you handeling a cleaning product? If he is worried about putting the ammonia into the tank just explain that that is what the fish will produce and the filter needs to learn how to clear up the fish waste otherwise the fish will die in their own waste.

I think heaters are best places diagonally at the back of the tank, preferably in the filter output flow so the heat gets transported around the tank easier. Although everyone has a different opinion. I have one vertical, one diagonal and my next one cant even go on the back so I will most likey just put next to the filter vertically on the side lol.

I think it's really good that whilst at school you are still looking to do things properly and take advice, shows how mature you are - Wish everyone was like you lol.

Good luck persueding dad!