Newbie

Hiya everyone, first post so go easy!! I have a new tank, with gravel, heater and a few fake plants and ornaments in and am doing the fishless cycle. I've only been doing it a week so no changes - yet, but hopefully soon!

I've noticed thoughh that there are loads of little white bits floating in the tank water, they look like specs of dust but whiter. I am wondering if they are coming off the pads that are in the lid. Will this clear and if it doesn't would it bother the fish when I get them?

I'm not sure, did you rinse the pads really well before putting them in? Sounds like it could be just dust from them.
I'd leave it & see how it goes, your cycle will probably take another 3wks yet so there's time to wait

So..what size tank do you have, i assume you are adding ammonia to cycle it?

I didnt rinse the pads at all Munchycarrot!! That's probably the reason for it!

It's only a small tank - just 65 litres, so I'm hoping it will be easy to keep on top of and I can learn with it.

Here's the tank I've got
http://www.aquaone.co.uk/prod_details.php?id_no=52083sv

One thing I dont understand is when it says for the type of filter WET AND DRY TRICKLE. What does that mean?? What is dry about it?

Hiya brb, that looks like a nice tank. I'm sorry I am not sure what wet and dry trickle would mean, but I am sure that someone will answer it for you soon.

Welcome to the forum by the way!

AFAIK the Wet/Dry trickle system refers to the fact that the circulating water drips down (usually via spray bar) onto a series of sponges providing mechanical (removal of solid wastes), biological (filter bacteria) and chemical (carbon sponges although these are not needed on a daily basis) filtration for the tank.

The Wet/Dry filter system is basically a nitrate factory since the toxic ammonia is converted to less toxic nitrite and finally to a safe level of nitrates.

brb98 wrote:

I didnt rinse the pads at all Munchycarrot!! That's probably the reason for it!

Ooops, lol. I'd leave them now as your already cycling. You will need to do a big water change before you add fish anyway. I would give the sand/gravel a good stir before you drain any water out, that should get any bits that have settled

Stupid mistake Number 1 - I wonder how many more I'll clock up?

Probably a fair few but don't we all learn from experience