Water Cycling and Conditioning

[HarleyK]

Good luck. I cannot say it enough: Test the water and remove the fish if nitrite or ammonia levels rise. Losing fish during a cycle is preventable!

HarleyK

 

[guppy]

okey ... amonia is ZERO, Nitrite is ZERO but Nitrate is 5.0
at least i have two down one to go...

First off check your dechlorinated tap water, nitrate levels of 5.0 are not unusual straight from the tap. It is not harmful at that level.
As to CYCLE, I never use it, I like the old fashioned way of seeding the filter and slowly increasing the tank population, letting the tank go through a series of mini cycles.

 

[rkc772]

tested again. the water is still the same... nitrate is 5 but amonia and nitrite is ZERO. fish are all fine, swimming and eating good. i'll keep on checking on the fish and water values.... last question... i currently have an xp3 and an 18" bubble curtain. do i need to put a bio-wheel filter (marineland)? to have a better place for beneficial bacterial growth? for all that responded to my question

 

[Dr. Octoclops]

I just finished cycling my 75 gallon. Took almost a month. I used Giant Danios.