[musho3210]

It means that your tank is cylcled pretty much, keep checking though because it could be lying. What test kit do you use?

I had a previous thread asking why my cycling is taking so long (and still is) and blue helped me out. So thats pretty much why we were wondering why your one took so fast. I guess i was unlucky

 

[DanaJ]

Well I'm keeping a tab on the testing. I'm using the Freshwater Master Test Kit by aquarium pharmaceuticals

A friend of a friend is really big on tropical fish and she said it's what she has always used, and has had no problems with. It was $30

 

[Lupin]

Well I'm keeping a tab on the testing. I'm using the Freshwater Master Test Kit by aquarium pharmaceuticals

A friend of a friend is really big on tropical fish and she said it's what she has always used, and has had no problems with. It was $30

Hmmm...That proves your tank has indeed cycled. Try to monitor the water parameters again for one week and if you keep getting the same results of zero ammonia and nitrites with detectable level of nitrates, then it proves your tank has cycled. Time when cycling can vary but I've never seen a fast one like yours. Usually it takes 2 weeks or more.

 

[DanaJ]

Wow, even I'm impressed. I was anticipating a much longer time!
I'm just confused I guess as to why it happened so fast. I had no bacteria to start with. Just filled the tank, and let it run, then eventually added danios. So far so good.

What was it about what I said that sold you on the conclusion that it infact had cycled? The test kit? The test readings the past week? Just curious.

I will continue to monitor the results

 

[musho3210]

lucky.... But even though your tank is cycled you still need to slow stock.

We think your tank is cycled because there are no detectable ammonia or nitrite in your tank with some nitrate forming. This is what happens to all freshwater tanks after cycling. Check if your test kit is expired out of date etc. Its looking good so far.

I use the same test kit as you, but i got it for 19 dollars, it was on sale

About the dechlorinator, when you buy it, smell it, if it smells like rotton eggs its good. If it has a very small smell or a good fragrance, its bad.

 

[DanaJ]

I'm acutely aware of that
I don't want to mess up a good thing. Besides it will take me that much longer to find the perfect combination :lol: :shock:

 

[musho3210]

Well i cant hide my jealousy, my tank is taking forever to cycle lol. Are you using second hand gravel or filter?

 

[DanaJ]

No, everything was brand new. And I had no bacteria to start with, as I don't know anyone with an established tank.

 

[musho3210]

well i think you were just lucky, would you mind telling me what filter you have, just for reference, not cycling

 

[DanaJ]

It's an Aqua Tech? I'll try to find some info for you....

 

[musho3210]

It's an Aqua Tech? I'll try to find some info for you....

What kind of filter media does it use. Is it a bag filled with activated carbon, or is it layers of spounge, carbon, polyfibric stuff.

 

[DanaJ]

Sorry, I'm really not good at this.
I believe the filter is more of the second thing you mentioned.
I'l still looking into the info for you.

 

[DanaJ]

Okay, it's a BIO fiber cartridge that needs to be replaced every 2-4 weeks.

edited to add: Aqua tech power filter. the cartridge contains aqua tech pure activated carbon. it also says "Improved carbon. Works faster!"
double thick poly fiber pad, premium activated carbon, and patented ribbed backing.
Does that help at all??

 

[musho3210]

ok. This is very important so read carefully

As you obviously know the tanks "good" bacteria live on your gravel, ornaments etc it is not enough to sustain a proper amount to keep your tank without any ammonia. This is where the filter comes in. Bacteria will live in the filter media (filter media is what you use in your filter). It is important to have part of the filter never taken out and thrown away. This filter part is called the bio-medium. Good filters are ones that have 3 way filtration. Lets use a power filter as an example. The bottom part of the filter will be used for mechanical filtration (where debris is filtered out) the mechanical filter should be changed monthly. The middle part of the filter is a bag containing activated carbon. This is called the chemical filtration (the carbon asorbs impurities) you change the carbon monthly. The top part is the bio-medium It is where the bacteria should live, you should never change this.

Another good form is called a bio-wheel. This wheel sits at the end of the filter. It is never changed and it is a good house for bacteria.

There should be at least one part of the filter that doesnt need to be changed at all.

 

[DanaJ]

Thanks for the info. I edited my previous post and put in more details.

 

[musho3210]

you could insert a specially designed foam plate that you put in front of your filter pad. Just change the BIO fiber cartridge monthly but dont change the foam plate. This works if you have a low budget

 

[DanaJ]

Okay, I just went down to look at my filter again. There is clearly an area that says "DO NOT DISPOSE" so I'm guessing that has to be what you are referring to.

 

[musho3210]

what part says do not dispose?

Im talking about what goes in the filter. Is the cartridge just one thing? Or is is a separate 3 things?

 

[DanaJ]

I'm guessing the bio medium is what says do not dispose.

 

[musho3210]

Is it in the water part of the filter?