Using Amtrite Down During A Cycle

[sammy79]

Hi there,

I have recently purchased a new tank (48L Heto Aquarium). It's been about 5 years since i've kept a tropical tank so Im starting from scratch again.

I was wondering if anyone could give me any pointers.

I went to the LFS and brought some gravel and I explained to them I needed to cycle my tank. Instead of conditioner they gave me Amtrite Down (Ammonia/Nitrite Reduction Aerobic Bacteria) and said I could cycle the tank in 2 days!? I thought it would take about a month?

Anyway i purchased the bottle and gravel and set up my tank and added the Amtrite Down. That was on the Thursday.

Today is Saturday and I went back and brought some plants to add to the tank and they tested my water and just said I have a very low PH and to wait a few days then do a 50% water change and i would be ok to add fish.

They didn't have any testing kits so I cant test my levels at all.

I was just wondering if the low PH could affect the plants? I also noticed a little snail has hitched a ride with the plants I don't really want him to die....but since it's only day 3 im guessing it's inevitable?

Will using this Amtrite Down affect the cycle?

Thanks!
Sam

 

[OldMan47]

Welcome to the forum Sammy.
I have never heard of the product they sold you but most such products are only good for filling the pockets of the merchants. There is a link in my signature area that describes the method that we know works. It is called fishless cycling. Please read through it and come back to get any questions you still have answered.

 

[sammy79]

Welcome to the forum Sammy.
I have never heard of the product they sold you but most such products are only good for filling the pockets of the merchants. There is a link in my signature area that describes the method that we know works. It is called fishless cycling. Please read through it and come back to get any questions you still have answered.

Thanks for your help,

I have done a 80% water change after reading the fishless cycle info on here. I'll go in search of some testing kits so I can test the water.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

the API Fresh water master test kit is what we usually recommend and it's readily available on ebay, you've not stated where you are but in the UK it;s normally 15-20 quid so not a big expenditure.