I highly recommend just completely rewashing everything and start with all new water.
I would also suggest just getting a single small fish and let that start the cycling process and stock slowly to let the bb catch up to the stock level
New tank cycle confusion
- Thread starter fishfanatic80
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I would also suggest just getting a single small fish and let that start the cycling process and stock slowly to let the bb catch up to the stock level
I am presuming the OP is using the same water (r/o) in the new tank as water from the old tank. If that's the case, TSD (total dissolved solid) level should not be an issue as to the cause of death.
Electrical short probably didn't kill the fish since they are not grounded. Whereas, we will get fried once we touch that water
I agree. I didn't mean to imply that the ro was a cause of death, just that it's unhealthy for most species of fish.
Forgot to add: skip the bacteria in the bottle, I've never been a believer in these products either. As a matter of fact, I think this is what may have somehow contributed to the death of your fish
I doubt that bacteria products killed you fish. I also doubt that .25 of ammonia would have killed them, though it is possible. Over the course of one single night, even without bacteria products, ammonia should not have reached a toxic level. I also have a planted tank in which I use 100% RO water, with seachem equilibrium added, which supplies mineral content for the fish. If you are acclimating properly and have adequate oxygenation, my vote would also be for something leeching toxins in the water.
So I guess I'll add old filter media to the tank after I clean it out and add one fish, if I add one fish without the bacteria chances are the one fish I add will die as well? I'm also afraid of taking too much media from my existing tank
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With a single small fish, ammonia should be build up quick enough to be fatal. If you're still overly concern, do a 30%-50% every couple of days......until you start detecting nitrate. You'll only need a small bit of filter media to seed the new tank.
I hate to break it to you but your wrong. Dr Tim's and ATM Colony and others have a very solid track record of working. I have used these products myself and cycled large tanks 75g in 5-7 days. If the products didn't work than how is this possible. Keep in mind filters new, new substrate, new tanks, new everything!
With that said these products require ammonia to be present so the bacterial can feed on. So it WILL NOT stop ammonia and nitrite levels. The idea is that with a limited stock (few fish) and limited feedings (once every 3-4 days) and keeping a close eye on parameters the fish will be me okay with a trace amount of ammonia and or nitrites for a few days in order to achieve the fully cycled tank.
This is why you should use a more known robust species to do this with, delicate species will still die with small amounts of nitrites or ammonia and should't be used.
Another HUGE problem with this situation is that MOST hobbyist who use these products are also putting fish right from the pet store in these newly setup tanks. Even a hard species like a danio or platy will have a struggle making it. WHY you ask? well because you are not taking a healthy prime specimen, but rather a weak stressed out fish that just went through hell to come home to a uncycled tank. With healthy stock you generally won't have any issues.
Also forgot to mention that for these products to work there is more to it than just pouring it in. PH should be 7.5-8 ideally and temps should remain close to 80f good flow is a must and there has to be some amount of ammonia present. make sure you check the expiration dates on the bottles as the do have a shelf life. The date doesn't mean its good either. The storage must be done correctly or else the bacteria dies in the bottle. Many variables here but if done right IT DOES WORK.
I will challenge anyone who wants to do a fast cycle without seeded media while using live stock right away. lets see who can beat me. I have done it several times in 5-7 days from nothing to a full cycle and NO DEAD FISH each time.
That should read:"ammonia shouldn't build up quick enough to be fatal"
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