First week help

[Rippinlip]

Have some more "never done this before" questions for you folks.

1. Three days ago I added my first few fish after three days of running the filter after set up. One day the tank was cloudy which I assumed was a bacteria bloom but was gone the next day. My fish seem to be doing great (eating, exploring, etc.) however, none of my numbers are changing. How long before I should see a change in the Nirtite/Nitrate numbers?

2. I got a powerhead two days ago and mounted on the far side of the tank from the filters about half way down as instructed by the guy at the store. It is moving some water, however, it is not producing any bubbles. I know without seeing the unit it is tough but thought maybe you all had some ideas.

3. Is it OK at this point to add some more live plants? I only have two in there but I like the live plants better than the fake.

Thaks in advance.:help:

Buck

[RoseFishWatcher]

1. Do you have an ammonia test? This will rise for a while before you start to see any nitrite or nitrate (can't recall exactly how long, but long enough it's not surprising that you haven't seen any nitrite/rates yet).

2. I have no idea what powerhead you have, but in mine, it only produces bubbles if you use a hose attachment on it (the hose ends above the surface, giving it a place to draw air).

3. I'm inclined to say yes, but I'm no plant guru. I can't think of any reason not to though.

[Mgamer20o0]

well first read up on cycling
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598

sounds like you just put water in the tank and left it for 3 days then added fish. you need a ammonia test kit like RoseFishWatcher said. what kind of test kit are you using? i only use the ap master test kit because test strips are unreliable. most fish tanks do not need a air pump or a power head. plants would be a good thing to add because they will help the cycle.

[Marinemom]

Get a test kit and test your water. It is the only way you will know what is going on inside the tank. The powerhead is fine. sounds like you have it running without airation. If you want the bubbles then you need to use the little hose that usually comes with it. As far as the plants are concerned, the more the merrier. They can be added at any time and will help your tank cycle.

Marinemom