Tank cycling ok?

[Trow]

We recently bought a complete set up from someone that was stopping keeping fish - 25g tank, filter, 17 platys, 1 catfish, 2 baby angel fish (I am aware after reading this forum that the angel fish will need a bigger tank and possibly one moved elsewhere)

We moved the tank and just over 50% of the original water to our house, where the tank was set up and the filter restared within about 2 hours of having been switched off.

2 weeks later and the tests are saying no NO2, but 25mg NO3. At this stage I don't have an ammonia test kit (was told by the original fishkeeper he never needed one, and we wouldn't either. I'm getting one tomorrow). One platy in particular is going to the top of the tank with his mouth to the air, but since we changed 30% of the water yesterday the problem seems worse, and other fish seem affected. GH, KH and PH all are ok.

Could there be a problem with ammonia? I am wondering if the bacteria that change it to NO2 have maybe been decimated with the move?

I will be checking ammonia levels as soon as possible - is there anything else I should be aware of?

They are all swimming ok, no rubbing or anything. My partner says I am being over sensitive - all opinions welcome!

 

[chunksofpoooo]

you might be a bit overstocked with 17platys, 1 catfish and a few angles in a 20gal. Most catfish get fairly big, but im not sure what type you have

I doubt the move caused any harm to the bacteria unless you allowed everything to dry out (which, i believe, you didnt). What might be a problem is the change in pH; a large change can damage your bateria levels. Also a large level of chlorine in your water can damage bacteria. When ammonia and chlorine mix it creates chloramine (I believe) which is also toxic to fish.

if your worried about bacteria levels, a good starter solution is bio spira. IMO, and many many other peoples as well, its the only "instant cycle" solution out there

http://fishstoretn.com/bio_spira.html

you can buy it off that site

Oh, on a side note, there is no such thing as being "over sensitive" about your tank. If you dont know, and something seems to be wrong, its always good to ask.

 

[Trow]

Thanks for your reply - I will look at bio spira - I am in the UK so will try and source it here.

Will also look at testing for chlorine.

 

[russjet]

the site that chunk suggests will ship to the uk at this time of year

i have just ordered some i am in london i will post here when it arrives and if it has the desired effect

costs about 20 dollars including postage

hope this helps

juliette