Zeldas 55ltr tank log.

[sparkycufc]

I believe, 9% is about average but I would check to see if the manufacturer of the type you bought has a website or on google if anyone else has asked a similar question and got an answer.

[TropicalFishForums]

[zelda1982]

I just rang their enquiry line and its only 3% so will have to put a bit more than normal in.

[zelda1982]

Woo Hoo!  My test kit came today so have kick started my cycle.
1st test reveals
PH 6.6
Ammonia 0.25 (dunno how as i hadn't put any in?)
Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrate 0ppm

So i've added the recommended dose of ammonia when should i next test? Tonight or tomorrow?  And i'm pretty sure you dont do any water changes but can someone confirm that for me please?
Thanks

[jackiemcg34]

no water changes, check your tap water for starters, water best left standing for 24 hours for the pH one as it can change, some water companies use a buffer which will disapear when left to stand oh test tank in 24 hours and whoohooo you are on your way

[zelda1982]

The water has been left there since i filled it up on sunday (thought my test kit would have come earlier than it did) so it was just tap water in the tank (with water conditioner)

[jackiemcg34]

you can turn up your heater to 30, (don't know if anyone mentioned it yet) it might get the cycling done faster too but remember to turn it back down when you are done

[zelda1982]

Yeah i have already done so.  Done a lot of research, but i still like to check 

[Vale!]

...some water companies use a buffer ...

Do you know which companies, Jackie?  (genuine question).

[jay100]

I currently have a tetratec 250 filter but was thinking about upgrading.  Can anyone suggest a good (but cheap) filter for a 55 litre?  Also thining about getting harlequin rasboras and neon tetras or guppies, any advise/warnings  on that?

Hi there. I've had a 60L running for a couple of months and just upgraded to an Eheim Aquaball 130: http://www.arkpetsonline.co.uk/eheim-2402-aquaball-130-p-1518.html

It arrived the other day, very impressed with it, easy to get in and out and you can adjust the power and increase the filter capacity if you end up upgrading to a bigger tank (60L-130L range). Has good reviews everywhere I looked and well worth the price.

[zelda1982]

Thanks Jay that looks good.  Will save the page until i get a bit cash and hope it doesn't go back up in price until then. 

Got some sand and a few small plants today and my bogwood came (though its busy soaking)  So just need a few large plants for the back and then my fishies when its finished cycling. 
Had a quick peek in [email protected] today and fell in love with the dwarf gourami, pictures dont do it justice, it was lovely so may have to change my stocking a bit to include it.  Are they ok with harlequin rasboras, neon tetras, panda corys and guppies? (i'm not putting all those in my tank but those are the fore runners so far. 

[jackiemcg34]

Vale, mine does for one, when I leave my water 24 hours it drops from 7.2 to 6.8, is this a buffer or have I been using the wrong word?  sorry don't know who supplies it though its just Scottish Water I expect

[zelda1982]

Todays readings

PH 7.2 (added sand yesterday so dunno if that will affect it)
Ammonia 2.0
Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrate 0ppm

[zelda1982]

My tests today showed that
PH 7.2
ammonia 4ppm
Nitrites 0-0.25
Nitrates 0.5.0

Is it ok that the ammonia has not broke down since yesterday?  Also the nitrates and nitrates are starting to show (the colour of them both was between the 0ppm and the next one up) so is that a good sign?

[zelda1982]

This is my tank as it stands now, need a couple more big plants for the back (and to replace the plastic one in the middle.

[zelda1982]

Todays results
PH 7.0
Ammonia 4ppm (still it hasnt gone down in 2 days)
Nitrite 0.25-0.50 (its sort of in the middle)
Nitrate 0-0.50

Why is the ammonia not going down but the nitrites are going up?