water readings

S

syntax357

AC Members
Feb 18, 2006
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Hello I am new to the forums here. I just set up my 55gal tank about 1 week ago. It was owned by a woman I worked with who had changed to a bigger tank and went to saltwater. Anyway I tested my water last night and my ammonia was at 2.0 I then changed 75% water, the reading went to .25 my nitrates were at 0 and nitrites at 0 I use an emperor 400 for filter and have 15 small fish in the tank. I use aquasafe, easybalance, and stress-zyme in the water will this be filtered out by the carbon or will it still be effective. I use 2 on the carbon media that goes in the filter and 2 with poly-fil to clean the water along with the bio-wheels. Fish in the tank include 2 dwarf goroumis (i think i spelled right) 2 red fin shark 6 serpea tetras 2 strawberry tetras 2 gold tetras and 1 sucker fish pleco. Is this alright to cycle the tank and how often should I check the water
 
Check the water daily. Yes daily. You will probably need to do daily water changes also. Try to keep the ammonia from getting above 0.25ppm. What is your pH? Water temperature? Most people on the board advocate a fishless cycle. You have stocked more fish than I personally would have to do a fishy cycle. The pleco is especially messy and will produce a lot of waste. I don't know about the sharks. You're going to have to really stay on top of the water parameters to get your fish through this.

You have a great filter though. I also use aquasafe in my tank. I wouldn't bother with the easy balance. No real proof that it does anything.

Good luck and welcome to AC! Maybe some others with more experience than me will have some more advice!
 
did 2ogal water change

I just finished change. ammonia was .25 before now its at 0 I will check often and thanks for the good advise I will use all the info in the future
 
Don't add anything to your tank but dechlorinator or Bio Spira. Seriously. All that other stuff that is supposed to "help" cycle your tank or keep your water parameters "correct" is just junk. If it's not just plain useless, it'll actually do more harm than good.

Roan
 
just used bio spira

what should I look for as far as readings on my water, When should I test it and how soon do I need to change the water? So for the fish look ok the water is clear
 
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