New Tank & Some Questions.

[x1vicious281x]

I just picked up a new 29 gal setup.
It came with a Whisper Filter, Whisper Heater, UGF and a Powerhead that is attached to the UGF tube. I blocked the other 3 tube outlets on the UGF. I bought 25# of gravel and a lot of fake plants.
We let the tank cycle for about a week and the pet store said it would be a good time to add fish. We bought 3 serpae tetras and they have been in there for about 2 weeks without problems.
Should we get a water test kit, which ones are preferred are some more expensive than others. What tests should we get?
pH, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia?
Also the filter in the Whisper, how often should this be changed, and how often should the tank be cleaned? and should it be a 50% water cleaning each time?

[vaheelsfan]

How did you cycle the tank? That usually takes from 4-6 weeks, I believe. If there were no fish in there, and you didn't do anything to cycle it, then it is just now probably starting to cycle. Don't worry about changing the filter as often as recommended by the manufacturer. Just rinse it out well every time you clean the tank, and change it when this doesn't help any.

[Raf]

Yup, you need an ammonia source in order for the tank to cycle......fish can be it, so can pure ammonia.

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

I would clean 15-20% weekly, or 25-30% every two weeks. Rinse the filter cartidges out in old TANK water and re-use them. They store helpful bacteria so its not wise to change them too often. Get as many test kits as you will use. Those that you said will be good enough.... If your tetras are ok thats good. I wouldn't add any more fish for another 2 weeks, just to make sure your tank is fully cycled.

Umm... yes. Right? good.

[x1vicious281x]

Ok, well I guess we just let the tank filter for a week, then introduced fish.
When you say get as many test kits as you use, what do you mean? SHould I get all 4 of those tests and test weekly? I don't want to wait until the fish are sick or dead and then start testing to see what is wrong after it's too late, which is the best way? Thanks

[Raf]

Yes, purchase some test kits.

ammonia
nitrIte
nirAte
pH

Then, either use live fish or pure ammonia and let the tank cycle. This can take about a month depending on several factors.

During this time, test often. A cycled tank will have no ammonia, no nitrItes and a growing level of nitrAtes.

If you are using fish and test high levels of either ammonia and/or nitrItes, waterchanges are a must if you want to keep your fish alive.

HTH

:)

[Must4ng s4lly]

THE most important thing is ammonia. I got some great testers for ammonia that stay in the tank from www.Drsfostersmith.com