How Long will it take?

[gregkarr09]

So my tank is cycling...and my dumb ass has already put fish in it. Is it safe to say the only way I can keep the fish alive is to contain the nitrite build up by doing water changes every day? Wont that drastically slow down the cycle process if I keep adding new water? I am using my friends old filter media to help and using prime and stability both from seaschem.

 

[CClump]

just cause you put a fish in a tank while its cycling doesnt mean you have a death sentence on them. Depending on the hardiness of the fish is how bad it could be. Goldfish and a lot of the bigger cichlids are not going to keel over. They may get a little gill burn but if you watch your ammonia and nitrite levels your probably going to be okay

 

[gregkarr09]

ok I have 5 angels and a BN pleco right now

 

[Richie_ELP]

So my tank is cycling...and my dumb ass has already put fish in it. Is it safe to say the only way I can keep the fish alive is to contain the nitrite build up by doing water changes every day? Wont that drastically slow down the cycle process if I keep adding new water? I am using my friends old filter media to help and using prime and stability both from seaschem.

No, the bacteria you will eventually have to handle wastes are not in the water column. Use a test kit to monitor your stats, carry out water changes to keep everything in check. With a little bit of luck and diligence, you won't lose your angels.

 

[gregkarr09]

thanks. So i'm getting old filter media from my buddy (2 Cartridges) can I add both of them right away?

 

[Richie_ELP]

Yes, you can, if they are already seeded with the goods, consider your tank cycled-ish.

 

[Richie_ELP]

We may have different ideas about what media is though, what is it you are using exactly?

 

[gregkarr09]

his old filter cartridges

 

[Richie_ELP]

Ok so you are talking about those crummy little inserts they sell for HOBs right?

Just to be sure, they were taking right out of a tank, kept wet and transferred?

 

[Richie_ELP]

Well if they are old used filters, I would take the carbon out, chances are its useless. There wouldn't be as much bacteria living on those as say some rings, but if you use them it is better than nothing at all. Monitor your specs. and you should be fine.