Tetra Safestart

[cookie_db]

I've been cycling my tank fishlessly now for 8 weeks and to put it shortly I'm getting rather bored now so was thinking of using tetra safestart. Just wondering if anyone's used it whilst doing a fishless cycle and has it helped? I guess it can't do any harm. My ammonia is dropping from 4ppm to 0 in about 18hrs or so but nitrites are stuck in 2. My nitrates aren't that high but I do have a couple of plants and a big green water algae problem which I'm hoping will resolve itself with the huge water change before getting fish.

Thanx for any help

Dani

 

[fmervin]

Never used tetra safestart, but I did use soll bactinettes and it work great cycling my tank. My tank was ready to have fish in a couple of days and my ammonia readings are still 0 (3 weeks later) with three fish in. My nitrite levels are between 0.4 to 0.6 though. Waiting for this to drop to 0 before I add more

Hope this helps

 

[dthoffsett]

Tetra Safestart and most of those other "bacteria in a bottle" products are simply a waste of money. Just stay patient, you tank WILL cycle and then you can put all your lovely fish in. If you just think of waiting a few weeks for years of enjoyment, it's all worth it.

 

[cookie_db]

Yeah I agree most of them are a waste of money (from what I've read), but tetra safestart is based on the US product which is supposed to work (can't remember the name of it at the moment). I'm hoping it will be a cheaper alternative to soll bactinettes which is quite pricey from what I've heard. Just looking for a boost to my bacteria.

Dani

 

[vinylman]

When 'SafeStart' was introduced, PFK magazine tried it, following the instructions to the letter. They found it still exposed fish to dangerously high levels of nitrites. Don't be tempted to cut corners with your fishless cycle; when it's done, it's done for good.

 

[cookie_db]

I'm thinking of using it to help speed up my fishless cycle which has so far lasted 8 weeks. Wouldn't dream of using it on its own. Juat want to know if it will help finish things up for me or not.

Dani

 

[dthoffsett]

I highly doubt it will speed up your cycle, but it's up to you if you want to try it.

 

[Kevstir]

the article that practical fishkeeping did also said that it sped up the cycle, they just didn't recommend you add it then add fish straight away..

 

[ghostchoir]

You'll find that most people here will criticise it on the grounds of what it is without ever actually trying it for themselves.

I used it, and yes it did help a lot Me and my boyfriend were setting up tanks on the same day. I used the product, he didn't, and mine was much faster.

 

[cookie_db]

Thanx ghostchoir that's exactly what I was looking for. Looks like I'm off to get some then. Might actually be able to get fish soon 8 weeks is a long time to sit and look at an empty tank.

Thanx
Dani

 

[fmervin]

You'll find that most people here will criticise it on the grounds of what it is without ever actually trying it for themselves.

I quite agree. I did cycle my tank with soll bactinettes from scratch (no fishless cycle) and I put 3 fish in a couple of days. My ammonia levels are still 0. I think people should try it out before saying it is crap.

I'm hoping it will be a cheaper alternative to soll bactinettes which is quite pricey from what I've heard. Just looking for a boost to my bacteria.

Dani, I don't know how much safestart costs, but I bought a bottle of soll bactinettes from my lfs for £4.99. Not too pricey IMO for the jumpstart it gives. Besides, it comes in its own ammonia and nitrite solution which keeps the bacteria alive. Just make sure you either put it in your filter straight away (after chucking away the solution) or keep it in the fridge (between 4 and 8C). I kept my bottle out for around 8hours at room temperature. The lfs reckons some bacteria might have died and that's the reason the nitrites are still a bit high (between 0.4-0.6). Hopefully these should drop soon

All the best with whichever product you choose and hope you have fish in your tank soon

 

[cookie_db]

That's not as much as I thought. How big was the bottle you bought? My tank is 216 litres. I'd add ammonia to complete the cycle before adding fish.

Dani

 

[fmervin]

That's not as much as I thought. How big was the bottle you bought? My tank is 216 litres. I'd add ammonia to complete the cycle before adding fish.

Dani, the bottle stated that it would be fine for 100L, so I reckon you might require around 2-3 bottles. The lfs said you can never overdose so 3 should be fine. However, since you have been doing a fishless cycle 2 should be just ok. I think you can safely use this with the fishless cycle and the ammonia you add will only help the bacteria thrive better

All the best, hope all goes on fine

 

[vinylman]

You'll find that most people here will criticise it on the grounds of what it is without ever actually trying it for themselves.

That's a rather sweeping generalisation. Most people here won't ever need to use it. I trust PFK to give me the truth of their findings. If they say that fish are still exposed to high nitrites, I have no reason to doubt them.

 

[dthoffsett]

You'll find that most people here will criticise it on the grounds of what it is without ever actually trying it for themselves.

That's a rather sweeping generalisation. Most people here won't ever need to use it. I trust PFK to give me the truth of their findings. If they say that fish are still exposed to high nitrites, I have no reason to doubt them.

I have tried several of those products, and IMO they didn't do anything to speed up the cycle. Everyone is intitled to their opinion though.