Update

Latest cycle readings -

Started 6/3
PH 7.8
Overdosed tank and had to do water change
Got Ammonia down to about 4ppm (API kit).

7/3
PH 7.8
Ammonia still looks 4ppm so added nothing
Nitrite 0
Nitrate not checked

8/3
PH 8.0
Ammonia 4ppm so nothing added
Nitrite 0.25

9/3
PH 7.8
Ammonia still 4!!!
Nitrite 0.25

10/3
Ph 7.8
Ammonia between 2 -4. Taken back up to 4
Nitrite 0.25

I think it's a good sign that the Ammonia has gone down a bit after staying at 4 all the time. Is it ok that the Nitrite isnt moving yet? It's been the same for 3 days now, or am I just getting tooooooo impatient??

yes you are! :lol: That all seems to be going ok elj. The ammonia is starting to go down as it should and you are showing a bit of nitrite too.

It's all good

Thank Diana, I'll try and calm down a bit then . Can I ask, when the cycle is finished do you stock the tank to the maximum amount you can or do you get them in dribs and drabs. I am tempted to go with the dribs and drabs way but just want to check.

you can fully stock, remembering to test regularly to make sure you don't get an ammonia spike but as you'll be adding ammonia at 2ppm at the end of the cycle...there will be enough bacteria to convert any ammonia the fish would produce (unless you were going to add 10 plecs). With that in mind, it is unlikely you will get a spike but worth monitoring to be safe.
If you go the dribs & drabs way you will have to stick to that way. Some of the bacteria will die off & you will be building it back up.
Either way is fine, just stick with whichever you chose

Someone's getting impatient You will get there ;D

Just be patient, your further than me - still havent got water in the tank yet....

GeordieDave wrote:

Just be patient, your further than me - still havent got water in the tank yet....

Come on GD

Matty wrote:

GeordieDave wrote:

Just be patient, your further than me - still havent got water in the tank yet....

Come on GD

no point atm, moving at end of March so i need to wait - im getting impatient but its the only option unless i go round early and set the tank up

Oh I'd wait until you're moving GD 'coz the cycle will take at least a month so no point jeopardizing it by having to empty the tank when you move and start all over again. You're doing the best thing now by doing all the research so you'll know exactly what you're getting into - hopefully, says you!

Well at least when you move you can plan the house round the tank and not the other way round :lol:

That's the only draw back with fish tanks - their weight. I dont know why the stands aren't supplied on lockable castors, it would make life so much easier!

driver wrote:

I dont know why the stands aren't supplied on lockable castors, it would make life so much easier!

Id rather not have any feet/castors on at all to spread the weight evenly across the base of the stand - Mine comes with "feet" but I am not attaching them

Yeah i'd wait GD. Bummer though