Stuff To Buy For New Tank....

[Ifti]

Im setting up my first tank and am heading out shortly for items I need to buy to begin my fishless 2-3 week cycle.......

So far I have:
The tank, with my plastic plants etc.
Interpet PF1 Filter
Interpet Heater
Thermometer
Other bits and pieces - like a small net, a gravel cleaner, glass magnet for cleaning algae etc.

Fluids (and what I believe they are for?):
Tap Safe - for use when adding fresh tapwater.
InterPet Filter Start - added to fresh tank, or fresh filters, every day for 2 weeks, then once every week, to get the 'good bacteria' going. - Do I really need to add it this often?


As I said, Im off out in a bit to buy some more bits so I can get started, like the gravel etc.
Im looking to buy the following fluids, but need to know if I should be getting and using them at this early stage??

Interpet PF1 Carbon filters (Manual says they should be changed every 3-6 weeks?). Should I get the foam filters as well, or just clean them every time I do a water change (in the removed tank water)?
Tetra Tap Safe solution (I only have a small bottle with the tank).
Tetra NitrateMinus - apparently good to add in between the gravel when setting up the tank?
Tetra Easy Balance - Good to add weekly to keep Algae at bay? Should this be used from he start or only on a matured tank?
API Freshwater Master kit - to test water quality - how often?

Should that be all I need for now??
Ive read through the guides here but just needed clarification on the above please!

I'll be adding hardy fish - a small catfish as a bottom feeder / algae eater, and maybe a few cichlids or coloured fish - in 2-3 weeks once I feel the tank has settled enough, but want to get everything right first.....

Your response is very much appreciated!

 

[KittyKat]

Im setting up my first tank and am heading out shortly for items I need to buy to begin my fishless 2-3 week cycle.......

How do you know it will take 2-3 weeks? I want to know your secret

Seriously, fish-less cycle usually takes 4-6 weeks (fish-in 6-10 weeks, so not a shortcut). Some of the "cycle aids" do seem to help.. so fingers crossed, yours does

As I said, Im off out in a bit to buy some more bits so I can get started, like the gravel etc.

Consider play sand as an alternative, Corys for example do best with sand. Please avoid dyed (funky-coloured) gravel.. it loses the colour after a while.

Interpet PF1 Carbon filters (Manual says they should be changed every 3-6 weeks?). Should I get the foam filters as well, or just clean them every time I do a water change (in the removed tank water)?

Don't bother, waste of money. Carbon should only be used to remove medication from the tank after treatment, so keep one pack for when you need it. It is used up after a few hours in the tank anyway, so unless you plan to replace it every day (which none of us do), you basically shouldn't use it at all.

Foam should be cleaned in old aquarium water (or dechlorinated tap water, if you insist) once per week after the fish are in the tank by squeezing the sponges gently. You should almost never replace sponges as they contain the bacteria which you grow during a cycle.

Tetra Tap Safe solution (I only have a small bottle with the tank).

Manufacturer doesn't matter, just make sure it removes chlorine, chloramine (this is the most important one) and preferably heavy metals.

Tetra NitrateMinus - apparently good to add in between the gravel when setting up the tank?

Waste of money, the weekly water changes should control the nitrates and you should consider getting some real plants in the future which will also help.

Tetra Easy Balance - Good to add weekly to keep Algae at bay? Should this be used from he start or only on a matured tank?

Waste of money, algae is an indication of a problem: solve the problem, don't hide the symptoms.

API Freshwater Master kit - to test water quality - how often?

During the cycle, every day (ammonia, nitrite, pH) and slowly dropping to once per week after you add the fish. Eventually, you will only be testing when you think there is a problem, but this is for when you become a lot more experienced.

Should that be all I need for now??

And household ammonia (for example from Boots in UK) You can't fish-less cycle without an ammonia source.

I'll be adding hardy fish - a small catfish as a bottom feeder / algae eater, and maybe a few cichlids or coloured fish - in 2-3 weeks once I feel the tank has settled enough, but want to get everything right first.....

We can help you with stocking if you give us more set-up details but it will take over 2-3 weeks for the bacteria to grow. Ammonia and nitrite should be at 0 ppm 12 hours after addition of ammonia at 5 ppm for a week to prove that the cycling has really finished.

p.s. ammonia and nitrite over 0.25 ppm are toxic to fish

 

[Toolenaar]

Also dont forget the stuff you need for maintenance like buckets (buy some you only use for your tank so you know 100% that there arnt any cleaning chemicals in it) and an aquarium siphon and maybe an algae magnet cleaning thingie

 

[Ifti]

Sorry Im new to this as you can see and have read cycling is 2-3 weeks! Thats for putting me straight!

If I do not bother with the carbon filter, what should I put in that section of the filter - another foam??

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply - not only saving me money, but also educating me into this new venture! Its very much appreciated.

Also dont forget the stuff you need for maintenance like buckets (buy some you only use for your tank so you know 100% that there arnt any cleaning chemicals in it) and an aquarium siphon and maybe an algae magnet cleaning thingie

Thanks.
Yes Ive purchased a new bucket just for the tank alone. I also have the glass magnet thingy and the siphon/gravel cleaning tube thingy!

 

[KittyKat]

If I do not bother with the carbon filter, what should I put in that section of the filter - another foam??

Yeah, that would be best

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply - not only saving me money, but also educating me into this new venture! Its very much appreciated.

I think it's quite safe to say that most of us here will give advice to the best of our ability and don't have any hidden agendas like trying to get your money

 

[Ifti]

Thank you again - will remove the carbon and add another foam!

I was going to get this gravel, but you think I should get something else instead??

http/www.seapets.co.uk/products/aquarium-supplies/aquarium-ornaments/coloured-gravels/roman-gravel-jet-black-2k.html

 

[Toolenaar]

Thank you again - will remove the carbon and add another foam!

I was going to get this gravel, but you think I should get something else instead??

http/www.seapets.c...t-black-2k.html

It all depends on what fish you are planning to have. For instance, I know I want to get corydoras as my first fish so i decided to go with sand.

 

[KittyKat]

I was going to get this gravel, but you think I should get something else instead??

http/www.seapets.co.uk/products/aquarium-supplies/aquarium-ornaments/coloured-gravels/roman-gravel-jet-black-2k.html

Not that one! The ones by Roman are basically all dyed and that particular one will go white after a while. I know it might be more expensive, but you should consider getting the one by Dennerle. I can't remember where it is available from in UK right now, but will find out for you after I get back from shopping (if you are in UK, that is). I use the Dennerle gravel myself and it is lovely.

The Dennerle black gravel and playsand are my two favourite substrates.

 

[Ifti]

OK, will put that on hold then! Lucky I checked here before heading out!!!!

 

[KittyKat]

From Swell (this is the stuff I actually use, but I have never bought from Swell) and a finer (more sand-like) alternative from Reptilica (never used this one, but expect it is a finer version of the first one and never bought from these guys either).

By the way, there's no reason you can't start cycling now without the gravel - cycling only requires water, running filter, heater, tests and ammonia

Do you want me (or someone else) to check that you're planning to do the cycle right? If yes, just re-cap your plan and we'll confirm or correct.

 

[Ifti]

Thanks.
I did have a rough plan here : http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/353931-filter-questions/
Although I will pass on the NitrateMinus etc now that you have suggested its not required!
I want to set up everything together rather then begin to cycle the water beforehand to be honest - I have 2 young daughters who both want to help!! lol

So far I have:
48litre tank
Interpet Filter PF1
Interpet Heater
Interpet Tap Safe
Interpet Filter Start
A small net
Some plastic plants / ornaments
Thermometer to go into tank
Glass Algae remover magnet
A new bucket!
Gravel cleaner (the siphon tube thingy!)

I still need to buy:
Boots Ammonia
Gravel
API Freshwater Master Kit
PF1 sponge filters (to replace the carbon filter and a few spare for future use)


The only confusion I have at the moment is between the different water substances (ammonia, nitrate, and so on) and the correct levels they need to be at - I guess the testing kit will help me there. I need to read the guides here further on how to precisely perform a fish-less cycle as well.

As for the fish, since its only a 48 litre tank, I dont want fish that will outgrow the tank obviously. Was considering cichlids, although they looked small in the store, but I guess I wont be able to have many due to them growing up to 15cm in size?
I know I want a bottom feeder to help keep the tank cleaner etc, but am still deciding between small cichlids or small tropicals. I wouldnt mind a nice Betta, but Im not sure what the Betta would live alongside!
All stuff to figure out as I go along!

This was supposed to be a simple tank for my daughters - its fast turning into 'daddy's tank' rather then theirs though! lol

 

[Ifti]

OK, everything I need has been purchased now - just need to pop into boots to get the ammonia - I just need to confirm I do actually need the Ammonia, since I have the Interpet Filter Start solution - not sure what exactly that adds??

 

[Little_Nemo]

You do need the ammonia! Its the only way you can start your cycle.

The interpet filter start solution is just another bacteria in a bottle - something most of us dont believe work.

 

[KittyKat]

I did have a rough plan here : http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/353931-filter-questions/

Ouch, that's long! Will try to read through in a bit..

I want to set up everything together rather then begin to cycle the water beforehand to be honest - I have 2 young daughters who both want to help!! lol

That's fair

The only confusion I have at the moment is between the different water substances (ammonia, nitrate, and so on) and the correct levels they need to be at - I guess the testing kit will help me there. I need to read the guides here further on how to precisely perform a fish-less cycle as well.

• Ammonia ≈ pee and crap. During a cycle, it should be at 3-5 ppm dosing. You can either always keep it at a set number, for example by dosing to 4 ppm every 24 hours or you can let it fall to 0 ppm and only then increase it back up to 4ppm. After the filter is cycled, it will *always* be 0 ppm - this is the whole point of the cycling. Toxic to fish when over 0.25 ppm.
• Nitrite ≈ what pee and crap turn into. After the ammonia starts to drop during the cycle, this will start to rise and then will eventually drop to 0 ppm. Is always at 0 ppm after the cycle is complete. Also the point of cycling. Toxic to fish when over 0.25 ppm.
• Nitrate = what nitrite turns into ≈ plant food. This will start rising when the cycle is almost complete. Best to aim to keep it below 25 ppm, not that toxic, but don't let it get out of control either. Water changes and live plants will reduce it.
• pH shows if the water is acidic or alkaline. Tetras and South American fish generally like this to be below 7.0, Asian fish and African river fish usually prefer 6.5-7.5, livebearers tend to like over 7.0 and Rift Lake fish over 8.0. Cycling works best when this is around 8.0. If your water is under 7.0, the cycle can take very long so it is recommended that you add bicarbonate of soda to increase the pH for the duration of the cycle.
• Hardness is also related to pH, it shows how much stuff like (for example) calcium is in the water. Usually pH under 7.0 will correspond to soft water, pH above 7.0 will correspond to hard water.

This is actually a great opportunity to start your kids on the way to learning some basic biology (nitrogen cycle - basis of life) and chemistry.

As for the fish, since its only a 48 litre tank, I dont want fish that will outgrow the tank obviously. Was considering cichlids, although they looked small in the store, but I guess I wont be able to have many due to them growing up to 15cm in size?

No cichlids, the smallest need at least a 2 ft tank. If you want simple, I would recommend getting a sand substrate (or the finer gravel I linked to) and keeping the following:
* 6-8 ember tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae) OR 6-8 espei rasboras (Trigonostigma espei - make sure you know how to tell the difference from harlequin rasboras) OR 6 male endlers (Poecilia wingei) - will eat normal flake food, as much as they can completely finish in 30 seconds twice per day or in 60 seconds once per day
* 6 dwarf Corys (Corydoras hastatus OR C. pygmaeus) - will eat one small piece of catfish pellets each every other day
A Betta might fit later.. but can't guarantee that. Also they tend to not live long.. the rest should live for at least 5 years and more likely closer to 10 odd.
And don't feed one day per week.

I know I want a bottom feeder to help keep the tank cleaner etc

Bottom feeders don't "clean", they just eat on the bottom so need sinking foods Many a fish has been starved this way

This was supposed to be a simple tank for my daughters - its fast turning into 'daddy's tank' rather then theirs though! lol

OK, everything I need has been purchased now - just need to pop into boots to get the ammonia - I just need to confirm I do actually need the Ammonia, since I have the Interpet Filter Start solution - not sure what exactly that adds??

You do need the ammonia! Its the only way you can start your cycle.

The interpet filter start solution is just another bacteria in a bottle - something most of us dont believe work.

+1

While you do the cycle, please keep a diary of your ammonia and nitrite readings every day, with a pH and nitrate reading once per week. I would really appreciate if you could give them to me when you're done.

 

[Ifti]

Thats brilliant!
Just waiting for the gravel etc to arrive now, and then will get started. I have a MUCH better understanding of everything now thanks to yourselves (especially Kitty Kat).
Will report back with how I get on!