Set Up Day...

[DanS]

Hi All, Heres the details...

60l tetra tank. I added 1 bag of Eco-complete substrate (expensive, but i want a planted tank so thought it would be worth it) last night and filled with de-chlorinated water. I turned on the filter and heater and left overnight - no decoration etc. The water was very cloudy (can't see the background) this morning and the substrate wasn't thick enough (1cm) so I went to the lfs this morning and got another bag of eco-complete and some plants. The lfs told me i'd be ok to plant even when the water is cloudy.

So..... did my first water test with the following results:

Nitrate 50 mg/l
Nitrite 0 mg/l
GH > 10d
KH 6d
pH 7.6
Temp 21 degrees C

Unfortunately the GH, KH readings don't mean much to me?

Here's the questions: -

1) Should I leave the filter/heater on whilst waiting for the water to settle (the filter is obviously creating movement)

2) Can I plant my plants today even whilst its cloudy? If not, how long can I leave the plants in the bag before its too late?

3) I have some rocks from the lfs - do i need to wash them first? Under the tap? What about the chlorine?

Thanks in advance!

Dan

 

[mollylver]

I can only help you with the rock question but it would be best to boil the rock(s) before adding them. It always a good idea to take extra precaution.

 

[TerraDreamer]

1. Yes, leave everything on. The filter will pick up the particulates. After the cloudiness is diminished, you can give the media a quick rinse in dechlorintated water.

2. Adding the plants shouldn't hurt them. They're safer there than not being submerged, IMHO.

3. Yes, wash the rocks under the tap. There won't be enough chlorine on the surface to harm anything. Wipe with a towel if you wish.

 

[DanS]

Excellent thanks. Its all in there now, and the cloudyness is clearing up slightly.

I guess i'll just have to re-arrange everything when i can see what i'm doing! haha

Cheers

 

[Castellop123]

d...

 

[DanS]

yeah that must be from the tap as there was only dechlorinated water and the substrate in when i did that test.

Wont this begin to be processed by the filter anyway?

 

[vinylman]

Wont this begin to be processed by the filter anyway?

No, not until you have a source of ammonia. Please read the pinned thread on cycling for all you'll need to know. Please go the fishless route.