220g New Start

This weekend we finished filling the tank and turned on the pump for the first time. A couple of small leaks had us shutting the pump and closing ball valves real quick. Fortunately we got most all of them under control with simple tweaks to connectors and the like; the exception being a leaky UV sterilizer assembly (*%#@ after I spent $$ on a new lamp, crystal, and transformer to get the thing running). :silly:

Finally decided to keep it simple for now and pulled the UV light out of there and replaced it with 1" flex tubing until I can take a closer look at the light.
It's been running since early this morning and no more leaks so far. Really looks great with the lights at night.

I'll begin water testing in the next few days to establish a baseline for PH, nitrites/nitrates, etc. Any thoughts on how long to let it cycle before introducing the first group of fish? (probably about 6 tin foils or tiger barbs).

IMG_2435a.jpg IMG_2439a.jpg
 
A freshwater tank won't really cycle without fish or some other amonia source. Personally I would just get some bio-spira and add in a few fish. Otherwise google "fishless cycling" and see what you find.
 
Sy229 said:
I'll begin water testing in the next few days to establish a baseline for PH, nitrites/nitrates, etc. Any thoughts on how long to let it cycle before introducing the first group of fish? (probably about 6 tin foils or tiger barbs).
Click to expand...

basically you want to cycle for as long as it takes to establish sufficient bacteria to remove completely a concentration of 5 ppm ammonia; great explanation here :http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598
 
Once again, excellent information - thanks everyone. I didn't realize I needed to introduce an ammonia source to get the cycle started - Needless to say my readings today were "zero" across the board (ammonia/nitrite/nitrate).

I don't have a donor tank to draw from, so I think I'll try to get things going with a few fish.

I may have to revisit my stocking choices though. My initial PH reading is 8.4! This is probably due to the crushed coral I'm using for substrate. I believe Cichlids are at home at this range, but I'll have to do some more research to determine if the Barbs I was considering would be in their comfort range.

With a tank this big, I don't think I should attempt to alter the PH much - I'm thinking I'll just have to make my stocking choices suit the alkalinity.

One last item: I'm happy to report no new leaks over the last two days so I hope I'm home free. I have to admit I'm still paranoid about all that water in my living/dining room area. This weekend I started putting together an "emergency kit" , including some waterproof Marine Tek epoxy for tank repairs; an in-line pump and hose which will drain the tank in 25 minutes; several 5-gallon buckets. Finally I placed an order on Amazon.com for a Zircon water leak detection alarm to go in the cabinet under the tank. I also checked my home insurance policy to make sure I was adequately covered in case of disaster. I'm specifically not covered for floods, but I am covered for "water and steam overflows" which I believe is what I need - but I intend to call them to be sure.

If anyone has any experience / lessons-learned with what else to consider in my emergency kit and other steps to mitigate a disaster I'd love to hear from you!
 
Sy229 said:
I don't have a donor tank to draw from, so I think I'll try to get things going with a few fish.
Click to expand...

Doing a fishy cycle could require daily water changes, a fishless cycle would be easier.

Sy229 said:
With a tank this big, I don't think I should attempt to alter the PH much - I'm thinking I'll just have to make my stocking choices suit the alkalinity.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't change the PH at all.
 
That's an awesome setup man! Beautiful stand! Get rid of the damned plastic plants though! IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

Makes it look so cheesy.
 
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