Cycling new tank have a few questions.

W

wisp12343

AC Members
Dec 3, 2008
35
0
0
So 8 days ago i started my new 10gal tank filling it with flourite for substrate, and tap water. 3 days ago i put some plants in (anacharis, water wisteria, java moss and the other im not sure what it was, it had no label but i liked it haha)i think i attached a picture of the tank. yesterday i went to petco to have my water tested and they told my my ammonia was a little high and my tank wasnt ready for fish. ive been reading a lot about cycling a new tank and have the following questions. ps. im going to get a testing kit tommorow.(is an api master for 30 a fair price?)

1 .if my water already has ammonia in it should i add additional with fish food or buy clear ammonia?

2. will my plants be fine with not ferts or fish?

3. the tank is a little cloudy, could this be from not rinsing the flourite enough?

DSCN2451.jpg
 
should i get the api master test kit for 30$ or mini lab fresh care kit for 20$ that tests ph, nitrites and ammonia?
 
I use amquel and that stuff gets rid of ammonia and dechlorinates the water. Frequent small water changes always helps, looks like the cloudy is probably the bacteria bloom, dont add fertilizers yet, it will only make the cloudy water worse
 
well i think i want ammonia to grow good bacteria. and im thinkin letting food rot is how im gonna get it.
 
The recent water test you mentioned showed amonia to already be high, so you have your start. All you need now is time for the bacteria to populate the surfaces in the tank and filter to bring it back down. Don't add anything. Be patient. Your nitrites will spike as the current amonia levels drop, then the nitrite will likewise drop as nitrate rises, which will in turn be used by your plants as ferts. You don't have enough plants in there to add ferts. Doing so will result in an algae farm instead of a fish tank with some plants in it. Stay low tech for a while, no ferts, no CO2, and whatever light came with the tank should be fine for what you have growing now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom