Restarting My Disaster Of A Tank

[fiki]

I have read this thoroughly but I have some questions ; http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=113861

I am choosing the "add and wait" method. I plan on keeping some plants from my previous set up. Is it ok to cycle the aquarium with the plants already there? Will the huge ammonia levels kill the plants?

Also, while cycling the tank - should the gravel be in place or will the gravel be ruined(or absorb excess ammonia).

One last thing - bacteria flourishes in higher temperatues, is it ideal to raise the temperature during cycling?

Any last tips? change the filter before cycling? Anything advice will help.

- fiki

 

[SuperColey1]

IMO. If you have the patience to wait for the cycle to complete and you are then going to add the fish bit by bit, I would starte with brand new filter pads, rather than use old ones which you will need to change earlier.

The plants will not be affected by ammonia as they will 'consume' it. A cycle takes longer in a planted tank because the plants deprive the filter of the ammonia.

 

[fiki]

I'm gonna isolate the plants and put them in after... I'll start w/ a fresh filter as well...

but what about the gravel and the temperature

 

[mark.w.jones]

I am choosing the "add and wait" method. I plan on keeping some plants from my previous set up. Is it ok to cycle the aquarium with the plants already there? Will the huge ammonia levels kill the plants?

In my experience no, they should be fine but if youre able to isolate them for a month then that's probably better.

Also, while cycling the tank - should the gravel be in place or will the gravel be ruined(or absorb excess ammonia).

Cycling with your gravel is fine as some bacteria will grow here.

One last thing - bacteria flourishes in higher temperatues, is it ideal to raise the temperature during cycling?

Temperature should be raised to 85 - 90 whilst cycling.

Any last tips? change the filter before cycling? Anything advice will help.

Do not under any circumstances forget to raise your ammonia levels for a few days once they've dropped to 0. Leaving things too long before your next ammonia addition can be disasterous. Also, be very careful not to raise it miles above 5ppm as you will have to do a massive water change and start again. Finally, be patient, check your water stats daily and record them so you can report how things are going. Expect some algae growth and crappy looking water during cycling as this is very common. Don't bother checking pH as it fluctuates all over the place. Don't do any water changes until cycle is finished. When you are finished stock 100% over the course of a week.

Good luck

 

[fiki]

thanks jonesy... also - is there any ideal concentration ammonia I should use? probably something high i think
...
and after I've cycled the tank perfectly and gotten rid of some algea w/ water change ... how clean will the tank be? will a water change be sufficiet? or should I scrub the sides and stuff... throw in an algea eater?

I'll post an update once I'm done... maybe they can be used on the sticky...