questions on fishless cycling

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lethalp

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Jan 1, 2003
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I bought a brand new glass 29g tank and filled it last night. I took some gravel from my 2.5g tanks and put in the bottom. My water is from a well and goes through a softener, leaving me with a ph of around 8.6. My questions are, what kind of fish will do best in this environment? And how do I go about fishless cycling? Also any advise on filters? Air pumps? I currently have one with the wheel at the top with a carbon cartrige inside. On also when I filled the tank it has some hard water in it. The cold side of my facet doesn't go through the water softener. So my water is pretty yellow, any way for me to make it clearer, or is the hard water in there a good thing? Also, if I am given any fish suggestions by you guys, could you tell me what kind of other stuff I should put in the tank? Meaning, rocks, wood, ect. Also, i read somewhere that it is good to put salt in the tank? I haven't done it but is this true? I am so excited to have my new tank and can't wait to hear what you have to reccomend! Thanks in advance
:D Dawn
 
Using Activated Carbon will help rid your water of its yellow color.

Adding gravel from an established tank will get your cycle a boost.

I have heard of people using liquid ammoinia to start their cycle. You could also drop a bit of fish meat in the tank or a shrimp in there.

With a ph of 8.6 I would think some Africian cichlids would work for you.
 
forgot a question

I also have another chamber in my water pump to put other filters, any suggestions to what I should put in there?
 
Hi there ..... ok. Lets se if I can help you somewhat. I have had tanks for 6 yrs. All doing well. I also have a well with water going through a softener. My water is hard also....but maybe not as hard as yours. I am not sure if your "yellow" water has too many minerals in it.....it may be ok or you could just use bottled water from another source. They do make a chem that you can add to clear the water and help with oders, etc. One is called Clear Water. I personally don't use chems that often. Anyway....I have several tanks with cichlids, gouramis, tiger barbs, glass catfish....severens all tanks use my hard water. When I first set up a tank I let it run.....all set up till it cycles. Couple weeks to a month....depending. After you get cloudy and it disappears.... That's when i find it's ok. They make test kits that cover all the bases. Two weeks for me. Add non iodized table salt to it. I use Mortons or whatever as long as it's non iodized. It removes bad nitrates. Also helps with deseases. I believe it's one tsp per ten gallons. Add Stress Coat or some kind of water conditioner also. Then let it sit and run. I do not add salt and water conditioner every water change. Just every couple months and not as much. I use power heads instead of airstones. No air pumps needed unless have decorations that need air bubbles. They do make these powerheads for your size tank and probably can get them at a bigger fish store. These last forever almost. just need to clean them once in awhile. But if you are happy with airstones then any air pump is good as long as it fits your tank size. Your water filter may be ok to use.....it has a bio wheel? I have Aqua-tech power filters {from Wal-Mart} in which i have thrown out and do not buy cartridges any more that go with it. I bought sponges from my lfs and stuck it in the place where a cartridge would go. It's better echo wise and Money wise. You just rinse and clean them and use them over and over again. Lasts a long long time. You can adjust them easily to fit. Cut them if they are too big. I bought a box of carbon and a inexpensive nylon baggie also from my lfs. Also very money wise. This will also save you money and last a long time. Just rinse out the baggie once in a while. Carbon helps remove the bad stuff in your tank's water. Here' s another site that will help with rocks and wood, etc.... www.skepticalaquarist.com

I use terra cotta pots in some of my tanks. I brake them sometimes and sand paper the sharp edges smooth then rinse well. Make sure they are new pots.

Silk plants if not using real are better so not to tear fins. After your tank cycles... you could buy a couple fish of whatever you enjoy....and just see how well they do. Rams are pretty. You can look through the "Species Profile" here at AC and look at specs and pictures to get ideas. Also it tells you what fish gets along with each other. If they do well then add more. Don't add a lot at once or it'll mess up your cycling. Vaccum once a week and do a 1/4 water change ...reading water thats the same temp as tank's water. Good luck
 
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