Okay so I am very new at keeping fish. So new that I just learned about cycling. This sucks cause I set up the tank and put in my fish (Betta). I don't want him to die...is he gonna die cause I didn't cycle the tank? How can I prevent this from happening. Oh and to let you know getting fish products here is a mail order process so if I need something I need to get it ordered quick. I live in a small town and Wal-Mart is my only choice for fish stuff and their supply is limited. Oh man I feel like such an idiot. I don't want my fish to die so please help me....
OMG Cycling *Please Help*
- Thread starter missmila
- Start date
Oh a betta? No worries, bettas are very, very hardy inside and out. They won't die on you for weeks if you keep them healthy. But do cycle the tank so the betta will be more happy. Be sure to do a good water change every week and just keep it up. Get a liquid test kit and check your parameters for us.
This is about cycling http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598
This is about cycling http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598
I have a filter and a heater. My tank is a 5 gallon. I treat the water with tetra aquasafe. I've had him in there about a week now and have done one 25% water change. Oh and I have live plants in there too if that makes a difference.
Also I have some new substrate and plants coming to me in the mail. How should I go about adding these?
Should I go ahead and change the substrate and can I safely add the plants? or should I wait for that stuff?
If I do change the substrate should I save all the water and change the sub then add the old water back so as not to mess up the bio stuff for the cycle?
Wow I really messed this up didn't I? Next time I know better. I plan on getting a 20 gallon for him around the new year and I am gonna do a proper cycle on that one.
Also I have some new substrate and plants coming to me in the mail. How should I go about adding these?
Should I go ahead and change the substrate and can I safely add the plants? or should I wait for that stuff?
If I do change the substrate should I save all the water and change the sub then add the old water back so as not to mess up the bio stuff for the cycle?
Wow I really messed this up didn't I? Next time I know better. I plan on getting a 20 gallon for him around the new year and I am gonna do a proper cycle on that one.
I think as long as you get a freshwater test kit (for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates) and change the water anytime ammonia or nitrite register he will be ok. Plants will help alot during the process. Since your tank is so young, go ahead and get the substrate you want in the tank. You can always hang somem of the old substrate in a new nylon in the filter discharge after you change it out. Its great that you are planning a bigger tank! When you are ready to do that, you can move your old filter media over to seed your cycle and save alot of time! When you are doing your wc's, be sure to just rinse your media in old tank water and don't discard it as it houses lots of your beneficial bacteria. Best of luck and let us know how else we can help.
Assuming you only have 1 fish in the tank, I don't think you need to be so worried. Beneficial bacteria grows on surfaces, such as inside your filter media and on your gravel and stuff, so changing your water does not hurt a cycle. Definitely order a test kit ASAP. Here's the kind recommended most on this site: API Freshwater Master Test kit
Until you get your Liquid test kit and can accurately discern water parameters, I would do a 25% water change every other day, just for safety. When you get the gravel, add it gradually over a couple of days and gently mix it in. If you just dump all of it on top of your existing gravel you can mess up some of your existing bacteria.
What kind of filter do you have?
Until you get your Liquid test kit and can accurately discern water parameters, I would do a 25% water change every other day, just for safety. When you get the gravel, add it gradually over a couple of days and gently mix it in. If you just dump all of it on top of your existing gravel you can mess up some of your existing bacteria.
What kind of filter do you have?
okay I was wanting to completely change the substrate and get the old out. I will do the nylon trick.
I'm glad someone mentioned which kit to get. I was about to ask that next. So I will be ordering that tonight. Is this one okay?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4345+4454&pcatid=4454
25% water change every other day it is then until I get the kit.
You all rock for helping me and not making me feel bad for being a horrible fishy parent. I just was one of those that never knew there was so much involved in caring for a fish. Im happy to have my fish and I want nothing but the best for him.
Here he is......his name is Independent Variable
I'm glad someone mentioned which kit to get. I was about to ask that next. So I will be ordering that tonight. Is this one okay?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4345+4454&pcatid=4454
25% water change every other day it is then until I get the kit.
You all rock for helping me and not making me feel bad for being a horrible fishy parent. I just was one of those that never knew there was so much involved in caring for a fish. Im happy to have my fish and I want nothing but the best for him.
Here he is......his name is Independent Variable
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