Newbie To The Fishkeeping Game

[cheekymonkey]

Hi all
I'm a complete noob to this world of fishkeeping. I spent the entire week reading up on the topic meantime waiting for my biorb 30L to be delivered. I know, it was lack of space that drove me to getting one of these fancy fish bowls.
Anyway, since my bowl arrived yesterday I have followed step by step instructions in the manual plus on this forum regards to fishless cycle. So far, I've done...

Added API stress coat to remove chlorine from the tap water
Added API stress zyme

I've also got myself two api test kits for ammonia and 5 in 1 (ph, NO2, NO3, KH and GH).
The tanks been bubbling away now for 24hr. I did a test for ph, KH and GH and found that the levels were 180ppm GH, 240ppm KH and ph level seems to have shot up from 7 to 9.
Reading on the instructions from the test kits, I need a GH reading of 60-120ppm and KH of 80-120ppm for most tropical fishes. I thought the stress coat was suppose to remove water hardness??
Also, how long does it take for tap water to be dechlorized?

As you can see so far, I've not mentioned anything about adding ammonia...why...cos due to lack of free time I've not been able to visit my local B&Q and accquire a bottle. The LFS just looked at me blankly when I asked for ammonia and directed me to a bottle of CYCLE instead. Now IF I am not able to obtain any pure ammonia, what is the next best alternative to getting a dosh of it without introducing fishes. I heard fish food is a source but apparently unreliable and smelly.

regards

C

 

[Davo86]

To tell the truth i have never added anything to the tank apart from the stress coat and stress zyme when cycling,
Usually i just add the required dose of each and leave the tank for 14 days, After which i test the water and for the three tanks i've set up so far, (300l being the largest) i have found them all to be ready for me to add fish.

 

[rocknurworld2006]

Hi all
I'm a complete noob to this world of fishkeeping. I spent the entire week reading up on the topic meantime waiting for my biorb 30L to be delivered. I know, it was lack of space that drove me to getting one of these fancy fish bowls.
Anyway, since my bowl arrived yesterday I have followed step by step instructions in the manual plus on this forum regards to fishless cycle. So far, I've done...

Added API stress coat to remove chlorine from the tap water
Added API stress zyme

I've also got myself two api test kits for ammonia and 5 in 1 (ph, NO2, NO3, KH and GH).
The tanks been bubbling away now for 24hr. I did a test for ph, KH and GH and found that the levels were 180ppm GH, 240ppm KH and ph level seems to have shot up from 7 to 9.
Reading on the instructions from the test kits, I need a GH reading of 60-120ppm and KH of 80-120ppm for most tropical fishes. I thought the stress coat was suppose to remove water hardness??
Also, how long does it take for tap water to be dechlorized?

As you can see so far, I've not mentioned anything about adding ammonia...why...cos due to lack of free time I've not been able to visit my local B&Q and accquire a bottle. The LFS just looked at me blankly when I asked for ammonia and directed me to a bottle of CYCLE instead. Now IF I am not able to obtain any pure ammonia, what is the next best alternative to getting a dosh of it without introducing fishes. I heard fish food is a source but apparently unreliable and smelly.

regards

C

it will remove chlorine very quickly.

you should be able to get ammonia from homebase amd ,make sure its not perfumed!

 

[dthoffsett]

To tell the truth i have never added anything to the tank apart from the stress coat and stress zyme when cycling,
Usually i just add the required dose of each and leave the tank for 14 days, After which i test the water and for the three tanks I've set up so far, (300l being the largest) i have found them all to be ready for me to add fish.

Letting a tank sit for 14 days does nothing, and it will test 0 for ammonia and nitrite because without a source of ammonia added (such as liquid ammonia, fish food, fish waste) there is nothing to feed bacteria, therefore no cycle happening. By adding fish, you are essentially doing a fish-in cycle.


Cheekymonkey - Stress zyme doesn't remove water hardness. According to API it:

Improves the development of the biological filter and helps clean a dirty aquarium. Contains over 300 million live bacteria per teaspoonful. Breaks down organic compounds that cause dangerous conditions such as ammonia and nitrite poisoning and low oxygen levels. Continuous use assures an active biological filter, cleaner aquarium, healthier fish and good water quality. No refrigeration necessary. Use when setting up and maintaining an aquarium. For use in fresh and saltwater.

However, in actuality, it doesn't contain the correct bacteria (if any live bacteria at all ) for cycling. The only products that do are Bio-Spira (US) and Bactinettes (UK), and that's only if they are refrigerated the entire time they are stored, shipped, and in the LFS. Honestly, its just a waste of money, the only thing you need is a dechlorinator. And there is no product that replaces the need for water changes.

Not really sure why your PH is going up, I'd give it another day or two and see if it levels off. Fortunately most tank bred fish can adapt to a PH outside their "recommended" level, and having hard water generally means you'll have a stable PH, which is most important.

The easy way to make sure the ammonia you get is safe is to check the ingredients for surfactants (bad), or shake the bottle. If there are a couple of bubbles that pop right away it's ok, however if it gets really foamy don't get it.

Edit: How embarrasing, I answered the wrong person, teach me to answer questions when I'm half asleep.

 

[SJ2K]

Hey cheekymonkey, im guessing your in the UK In which case, you can get a bottle of Ammonia (Brand name "Klean Off") from any wilkinsons outlet in the cleaning isle Also I believe shops such as boots etc also sell it.

 

[cheekymonkey]

cheers guys, I went out earlier on and brought a bottle of household ammonia from homebase. Just introduced it into my tank so guess I'll have to sit back and let it brew for abit