[trop09]

Just starting up my first tank. Went to petsmart, asked how I proceed now after I bought my gravel, tank, ornaments etc. They pointed me to the Top Fin water conditioner, and Top Fin bacterial supplement. They stated I should add the water, dechlorinator, and supplement, wait 2 weeks - bring a water sample back to the store that they will test for me free of charge, and from there add fish if all is good.

When I got home I followed all the instructions. The tank is looking decent. However, after doing some research, I came across the rule "never listen to a petsmart employees' advice," and that I should do a proper cycle. As for the Top Fin supplements, I've seen a lot of mixed reviews.

How do you think I should go about? And what should my next steps be? I'm really hoping I don't have to start over!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read this! :-D

 

[TangibleTetra]

Typically, it would take you about a month to cycle your tank. Try this site here to learn how to cycle your aquarium

Tips for Cycling Your New Aquarium - The First Tank Guide - Getting Your Fish Tank Up and Running with Minimal Headaches

While i was cycling my 20 gallon i also used API Stress Zyme, I believe it made a huge difference during the cycle. Now the water conditioner is essential, they are right about that. You need it for adding any tap water into the aquarium.

Goodluck Hope i could help

 

[Hallyx]

Not a bad article. But it's a little old-fashioned and parts are inaccurate or problematical, and reflect too much of the auhor's personal opinion. Modern ammonia-detoxifying conditioners and bottled bacteria have advanced speed and safety. Here is more up-to-date and complete article (it covers fishless cycling). http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/...nners-guide-freshwater-aquarium-cycle-353074/

My one-sentence fish-in cycling tutorial: Change half the water whenever ammonia or nitrite rise above 0.50ppm dosing Prime @ 2-drops/gal of tank size, and 1-drop/gal daily until cycled.

When ammonia and nitrite are 0.0ppm and nitrate rises slightly between water changes, the tank is cycled.

(One sentence fishless tutorial available upon request.)

Top Fin conditioner does not detoxify ammonia. That's why most everyone uses Prime. Tetra Safestart is the most used bottled bacteria, although there are others. Top Fin bacteria does not contain the right bacteria.