I need some help!

[Diplomat84]

I dont know if im doing the right thing anymore, i think ive over commplicated a lot of steps for myself.

I need to explain everything to someone so they can help me.


my screen name is TLxdiplomat, please IM me if you see me online.

MUCHO GRACIAS!

 

[itvilcu]

explanation

an explanation of what your problem is, would be good!

 

[Diplomat84]

an explanation of what your problem is, would be good!

ok well i guess ill post everything here as a record of my issues.

last month I purchased to what was explained to me as a 55 Gallon tank. It came with an Aqua Clear 50.

I put in an inch of natural gravel and began the cycle. readings were ok until my ammonia spiked. The LFS recommened I buy an Emperor 400 to help with the filtration. Then i realized after doing some simple math that the tank is actually a 37 gallon. ahh!

I have 6 danios and 2 head and tails in there. I feed them once a day.

after 5 days of the aqua clear and the emperor being together, i took the AC 50 out. this is where i made a mistake i guess. my tank began to could. i was adding cycle every day for a week. the cloudiness just got worse!

I was at petco walking around when i started a convo with the store manager and i explained my problem. he told me to do a 20% water change everyday until the issue went away. I was doing that for a week, but the cloudiness would just return! on the last day i did a water change, the water conditioner fell into the tank. i did another 20% change, and then my tank started to create bubbles.

an uncle of mine told me to stop the water changes since the conditioner wasnt toxic and i should just let the cycle do its own thing.

on 7-25-06 i did a water test. PH 7.2, Ammonia .5, nitrite 0, nitrate 5.0

today my tank looks merky and still very cloudy, i dont know what to do. i think im just going to wait, ive waited 6 weeks, i guess ill just keep waiting unless someone can help.

 

[plah831]

have you looked at this thread?
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79581

it doesn't have an ending yet, but you and him are experiencing the same problem (cloudy water) at the same time. I think for both of you, the problem is an incomplete cycle. The recommended solution is to let your cycle continue to completion. During the cycling, you need to do frequent water changes to prevent the ammonia and nitrite from reaching toxic or harmful levels. You MUST do these, forget your uncle's advice, because otherwise your fish will die or get sick.

Don't use Cycle the product, the reason is stated in the above thread. It's just a waste of money, and the bacteria will die off, adding to your ammonia and nitrite levels.

 

[Diplomat84]

have you looked at this thread?
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79581

it doesn't have an ending yet, but you and him are experiencing the same problem (cloudy water) at the same time. I think for both of you, the problem is an incomplete cycle. The recommended solution is to let your cycle continue to completion. During the cycling, you need to do frequent water changes to prevent the ammonia and nitrite from reaching toxic or harmful levels. You MUST do these, forget your uncle's advice, because otherwise your fish will die or get sick.

Don't use Cycle the product, the reason is stated in the above thread. It's just a waste of money, and the bacteria will die off, adding to your ammonia and nitrite levels.

ok so ive started doing 20% waterc changes daily, lets hope for the best!

 

[Ms.Bubbles]

What are your test kit readings? --they will tell you if your water is toxic or not, and how much/how often to be changing the water.

 

[twig]

cloudy water is normal in a new tank setting up ... It's probably just bacteria thats developing and trying to establish ...

Cycle can cause clouding.

Though people say Cycle does nothing but harm I found it didn't even do harm in the beginning. It did not, however, make my cycle any faster. When your cycle is finished dont bother buying a new one.

it sounds like a bacteria bloom started because your new filter is getting established.

 

[Marinemom]

Cycling takes time. We all have to have patience with this and I know this is hard and can put you on the edge of your seat. Believe me, I know! I have seven tanks with six of them being freshwater and one is a saltwater reef. Patience is the key here and it can be very frustrating and it is easy to get discouraged. As stated above, water changes are the key to your success at this time and they will become your best friend. The fish will thank you for it. Also if you can test your water and post the results I'm sure there are several people here that are more than willing to help you incuding me.

Just for referance, as far as the local fish store(LFS) goes, unless you know someone there personally and that you can trust, take what they say there with a grain of salt. Most of the time they are wrong with thier advice and only want to sell you something even if that product is of no benifit to you and you may not need it. I'm not suggesting to be rude to them because a few of them really do care and want to help you, but just politely listen to them and then come back here(and elsewhere if needed) and reserch it. This will help you the most in being successful with your tank.

Good luck and please keep us updated on the progress of your tank.

Marinemom