Looking to start my second tank

Several companies sell kits with 'most' of the required accessories; below are the basics some you might not need depending on your desired set up.

- Aquarium
- Stand
- UGF Plates
- Substrate
- Decorations
- Tubing
- Filters (HOB/Canister)
- Air Pump
- Heater
- Thermometer
- Water Testing Kit
- Water Conditioner
- Python / Siphoner
- Net
- Food
- Fish
 
Naw, this stuff called stress coat is the stuff. It's cheap, very very very effectively detoxes ammonia, nitrates, chlorine, and chloramine. Plus you can even get it at wally world. It's made by API, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. All in all, GREAT stuff!
 
Coler said:
I'm a Prime fan...used to use aquasafe...Prime stretches a lot further and detoxes ammonia & nitrite as well as chlorine & chloramine...I would reccommend you go with Prime.
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I have heard conflicting information on this and would like some validation:

School of thought 1: Hold off on any of the ammonia reducers while trying to get a tank to cycle.

School of though 2: These ammonia reducers convert ammonia to a form that still can be consumed by the nitrite producing bacteria so no problem.

Yes/No/Maybe? It is terribly confusing.
 
I'm not absolutely sure if the bacteria consume only free ammonia or ionized (safe) ammonia as well, but it's something you need not worry about.

Treat your tank with PRIME or whatever other chlorine/chloramine remover you decide on. That's all you need to do in regard to treatment until the tank cycles. If you remove ammonia while the tank is cycling, you starve the ammonia consuming bacteria and cause the cycle to keep restarting.

There must be a consistent source of ammonia whether it be from inhabitants or addition of ammonia with a fishless cycle.

I had a friend years ago that cycled his shops central system by peeing in the sump every day. I wouldn't recommend it though.
 
crharvel said:
I have heard conflicting information on this and would like some validation:

School of thought 1: Hold off on any of the ammonia reducers while trying to get a tank to cycle.

School of though 2: These ammonia reducers convert ammonia to a form that still can be consumed by the nitrite producing bacteria so no problem.

Yes/No/Maybe? It is terribly confusing.
Click to expand...

It is confusing and if you look at my old posts you'll find a fairly long one with me 'talking it through' with folks here trying to figure out this very issue! The only water conditioner I can vouch for unequivocably is Prime: Prime converts ammonia to a form that is safe for fish but can still be used by the good bacteria, so it will not stall your cycle. Prime also completely dissipates from the tank within 24 to 48 hours (so if you happen to have a Nessler or salicylate-based test for ammonia, it'll be accurate after the Prime dissipates). It's a great water conditioner that gets rid of both chlorine and chloramines.
 
Prime all the way. Nothing is less expensive when you compare quantity needed and how much it treats. It also keeps the ammonia free for the bacteria.

Other style of ammonia reducers may not do that though.

I like Visi Therm Stealth heaters.
 
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