ok, hows THIS

[girl_interrupted]

So I've contemplated how to start up my first aquarium. I've had a fish community before but it was given to me, so it was already cycled and stuff. This time I'm on my own and caring on my own and some of u know. I contemplated a lot of tank sizes, fish, filters etc. Well, unbeknownst to some of you, I was given a 20 filter (forget the brand), a 25 gallon tank, a heater, 2 thermometers, and 2 decorations (log-looking types). I also have gravel from a previous failed attempt" with a fantail. So I have it all, except the water, cycling, and lastly, fish. Oh and a test kit. So in the upcoming days I will fill it with water and let it cycle.

When can I start testing the water to see if its cycled?
When I start cycling, should I just let it run? No water changes or nothing, right?
How does the setup sound? Its all in place, though looks cluttered. I will post a picture of it when I get home, or tomorrow since I'm busy tonight.
Thank you all for this wonderful journey and help heehee, you know who you are!

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

That'a a nice starter tank, welcome to the hobby. Most important for cycling is that you have (extreme) patience and take it real slow. I generally use --> THIS <-- to kick-start a tank if I have no other sources of a cycled filter. No water changes (unless you monitor toxic nitrites/ammonia), very little feeding, only 1-2 hardy fish to start. You can measure water parameters as often as you want. The more you measure the more you know. It will take weeks to be fully cycled.

Make sure to also read the stickies in this forum.

Best of luck,
HarleyK

 

[girl_interrupted]

I'm doing fishless cycling. Oh and I have my tank setup. BUT... it feels weird... because the top looks cluttered. am i doing something wrong??
ps- im still missing the substrate lol

 

[cichlid_starter]

move your filter to the back of the tank. see what that does for ya.

 

[gtgg]

move your filter to the back of the tank. see what that does for ya.

2nd that

also, ask someone to give you their old filter to help you cycle faster

 

[Alexxxxsv14]

looks good so far yea move the filter to the backk

 

[T.K.O.P. 8=X]

First reverse your filter to the back side of the tank. There should be a cut out on the plastic to fit up the sized filter you have running. The lid is the front & since a fish less cycle i would add bio-extract. Beneficial bacteria to help the tank cycle quicker than without any.

Oh BTW your heater looks set is a bit high if fully submersible drop it down a few more inches. Glass on the heater can shatter on them or you'll get a good jolt if it breaks. Always check that before you ever put your hand or hands in there for any reason. Water changes unplug it first same senario as above, then when finished remember to plug it back in if for tropical fish.

 

[girl_interrupted]

thanks guys but there is no way to put it in the back UNLESS as someone said, i cut the plastic... or scoot the lid forward i guess... WHATS this about me getting shocked????? submerse the heater more???

 

[velanarris]

You are usually supposed to cut the lid. Typically theres a "perforation" mark where you should cut.

As for your heater, make sure it's submersed if it is a submersable as it can crack and then you'd get a jumpstart when the element is exposed to water.

 

[girl_interrupted]

You are usually supposed to cut the lid. Typically theres a "perforation" mark where you should cut.

As for your heater, make sure it's submersed if it is a submersable as it can crack and then you'd get a jumpstart when the element is exposed to water.

Its fully submersable. Can I just leave the top nob park sticking out? I feel weird about dipping the cord in water.

And thanks I'll check the backing of the lid. I remember seeing something to cut.