Advice for Noob?

Very early stages of the cycle I didn't think it would matter much (got it 24 hrs later and no ammonia registering yet). Don't have a QT tank, and while I know it's a good idea, at this point it's not going to happen (already spent enough; no way my wife approves a second tank).
 
the money for meds and restocking will exceed a 10 gal and sponge filter...wish you well.
 
Yep, no doubt.

Oiler, some spot-on advice was suggested to you in this thread. You're working with a tank that hasn't established a cycle. Totally workable, but only with diligence on your part.
 
Fish +4 days and the ammonia is still ~.25 and the others 0. The water had been very slightly cloudy since I filled it, but much clearer today.
 
Fish plus 5 and the ammonia below .25 and the rest 0. Crystal clear water now, and the fish are eating well.
 
Fish plus 6 and still the same test results.
 
Day 7, and results still the same. Though the colour of the Ates and ites didn't seem quite identical to the 0 colour. Completely reasonable to assume it's my eyes tricking me at this point though. The guy at the aquarium store said usually takes 4 weeks to cycle with the boost at the beginning, 8 without. So hoping by the end of April I can add my second species of fish!
 
Same results, though the ammonia actually seemed lower than .25 noticably. Interesting to me observation, my 7 Cherry Barbs seem to enjoy swimming in the current from the filter outflow. I've tried moving it and they will soon be found swimming in the strongest flow again.
 
Seems that your main concern is to get your ammonia down to 0 ppm. Nitrites also. Lots of water changes, light feeding, and for sure no more fish until all water parameters are good. At least try to get ammonia and nitrites to 0ppm, and nitrates no higher than 40ppm, preferably a lot lower.
 
I have no nitrites nor nitrates yet. Still early in the process.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom