I'll have a look at the Rosies when I restock the tank. It was store bought. A proper high end job. Makes this even more painful.This sounds right to me. Was this store-bought or DIY? If it was DIY I recommend washing the tank with vinegar and washing it with water before even cycling. A mistake a lot of people make is when you start cycling you have to add a large amount of ammonia. Otherwise there's no ammonia so nothing happens (I believeKelberiFishLover19 made a thread about this). Buy some rosy reds after you're done to see if anything happens.
Absolute disaster. Each day another dead fish.
- Thread starter White Noise
- Start date
I agree. I did make a thread on this and have learned a lot since then(made a cycling mistake) and am trying to help others who make the same mistake.This sounds right to me. Was this store-bought or DIY? If it was DIY I recommend washing the tank with vinegar and washing it with water before even cycling. A mistake a lot of people make is when you start cycling you have to add a large amount of ammonia. Otherwise there's no ammonia so nothing happens (I believe
- Dec 2, 2018
- 1,274
- 833
- 125
I agree, but he also was in a point of sadness because of Frank and really was trying to replace them. You have to admit though, all the time, money, dedication, and experience he has; he is phenomenal.
The mini cycle was absolutely spot on, but it has since cycled. The Ammonia went to zero, even by the store measurements, and the nitrates went bright orange in the tube indicating I think 10ppm from memory. The water is now crystal clear, and everyone looks happy, but then every day there is another floater. The ammonia is constantly measured (2ce a day from the bottom, out of the filter, and in the middle of the tank, I am burning through the test drops) and I am getting the same results through the tank.Huh. In that case I think
- Dec 2, 2018
- 1,274
- 833
- 125
Ok fine but it was kind of dumb of him to do that. Did you see all the hate comments about Hook? Even if he was not the legend Frank was, people still liked him and getting rid of them just so he could replace Frank was not a good call. At least it and Francine hit it off (now that they're in the lfs). Also he did that just for views. He got the fanbase excited to suggest new fish and got NONE of the suggested fish.
Hello; First am I correct it that you had a similar thread about this problem a few weeks ago? I seen to recall such.
Hello; I think I posted a couple of links about cycling in your previous thread. If not I will find them.
Hello; The beneficial bacteria (bb) are on surfaces with little to none in the water itself. So depending on the method used to clean the filters, substrate and other surfaces you likely did away with a lot of the bb. There are ways to clean filters and substrate that save the bb.
Hello; 10% is pretty small WC and likely does little good. Also if you are changing 10% of 200 gallons that is 20 gallons. If you are dosing PRIME for 200 gallons there is something to consider. Prime is an oxidizer according to those who are in the know. That can mean if there is not much chlorine or chloramine present the PRIME may and can grab the oxygen from the water. You may be creating an oxygen shortage.
Hello; Good that you have stopped with this stuff. I have not checked but it may have killed off the remaining bb. I will do a search.
Hello; What do you mean by this. Still dosing with a WC or just dosing for some other reason. I refer to my previous comment.
hello; So you get 0 ammonia and the store gets 25 ppm. First thing is get a gallon of distilled water and clean all the test kit vials several times and again between tests.
Hello; I think I posted a couple of links about cycling in your previous thread. If not I will find them.
Thank you for the considered reply.
I did my best to save the bb, I didn't scrub the filter down, I just removed the chunky bits, and rinsed the filter media and the fibre in tank water from a bucket. I think the deep gravel cleaning along with the filter clean at the same time, initiated the cycle. In hindsight I did squeeze out the fibre a little too much.
I am doing Prime for the whole tank. Thanks for that tip. I haven't seen any gasping at the top of the tank or any oxygen deficit behaviour at this stage. It looks (from a beginners pov) to be classic ammonia, with gills getting red blotches, and the Rummy Noses got a pink blotchy nose. I have a pretty good ripple at the top of the tank for oxygen exchange.
I'm still dosing with a WC, but I am doing the entire 200 gal worth because I think it is an ammonia issue. Since I am adding a bit in for the WC I throw the extra in for potential ammonia.
My procedure for testing is to get a bucket and pull water from several areas of the tank with the vac and then get a glass and pull a second sample. I use the tank water to rinse off my testing stuff. I do clean them in regular water when I am done and let them dry, but I do always rinse with tank water before the test. I'll get some distilled water and do a clean like you suggest just to make sure.
Hello; If in fact the issue is mainly ammonia then WC are the first line of effective help. I am doubtful 10% is anywhere near enough. It may be some where around 50 to 60 % every other day for a time is needed. Also cut back on the feeding a lot with zero feeding for a few days at first. Get some live plants. The non-rooted floating plants can take up some of the ammonia.
Good luck
