Tap water

[blackwater]

I have filled my tank with tap water and it's been cycling for several days now. I used some water treatment that's supposed to take out the chlorine and chloramine.

After reading a few posts on RO water etc.. I'm beginning to worry that my water is no good. Is this the case or should the water be ok after cycling for 4-6 weeks?

Thanks for your advice.

[OrionGirl]

What is your ammonia source? If you do not have one, the tank is not cycling, it's just holding water.

[blackwater]

Hi OrionGirl,

I have already added LR and aragonite substrate.
I threw in a small chunk (about a fingernail sized bit) of raw prawn/shrimp. The prawn has white stuff growing all over it.

Thanks.

[OrionGirl]

Okay--yep, it's cycling now. Test kits should confirm ammonia, with nitrites showing up shortly after ammonia declines.

Tap water won't impair the cycle. Depending on your water source, it amy contain things that will promote algae growth, and some--few--water sources contain significant amounts of copper. Copper will kill inverts, so you will want to check with your water utility for amounts. Most utilities post this report online, so try searching around.

HTH