Hello, New Member Here!

[scottb]

Redsea - Thank you for the post! I am going to check out your Reef Build right now. I plan to update with pictures as soon as I get my tank somewhat decorated and fully cycled. Hope everything works out as it should. Wish me luck!

[Hholly]

There are formulas to calculate how much ammonia to add. You don't need to wait for your test kit.

[scottb]

can you send me a link for these formulas? Thanks.

[Mumma.of.two]

Try googling. Even if you can't find any you can just add 2-3 drops of ammonia to help kick start the process.

[Hholly]

There's a calculator on this page. http://www.fishkeeping.co.uk/article...ng-article.htm

[scottb]

Thank you Mumma and Hholly for the advice/help. Can't wait to get my fishless cycle started!

[Hholly]

Have fun and good luck!

[scottb]

UPDATE:
Went and purchased ammonia from Ace and included a few drops into my tank to get the cycle going. My driftwood is yet to be placed into the tank because it is still soaking in water. I do have a question regarding my filters. Are there any downfalls to having 2 filters on my 36 gallon tank? Is there such a thing as OVER filtration? Also, when you do water changes, do you use 2 separate buckets? One for the dirty water, and one for the new dechlorinated water? And what is the best way to heat up the new water before adding it into my tank? Should I just take out my heater from my tank and use that, leaving my tank without a heater temporarily?

Thanks for all your help!

[Mumma.of.two]

Originally Posted by scottb

UPDATE:
Went and purchased ammonia from Ace and included a few drops into my tank to get the cycle going. My driftwood is yet to be placed into the tank because it is still soaking in water. I do have a question regarding my filters. Are there any downfalls to having 2 filters on my 36 gallon tank? Is there such a thing as OVER filtration? Also, when you do water changes, do you use 2 separate buckets? One for the dirty water, and one for the new dechlorinated water?

Thanks for all your help!

No such thing as too much filtration but there is too much flow. As long as your fish handle the flow (don't struggle to swim) its fine. No need to use different buckets. I still lift buckets for my smaller tanks this I what I do.
Syphon water into bucket/s.
Poor into garden.
Refill buckets with temperature matched water.
Add dechlorinator.
Poor in tank.
It might be worth your while looking at a water changer like a python. Makes it a lot easier and quicker. I use a garden hose on my large tanks.

[scottb]

Mumma - Have you ever had your new water not match the temperature of your tank? What do you do if this happens, because I know adding water that is too cold to a tank can cause fish to become stressed. Also, do you just pour your water in? I fear that my gravel/plants may move if I just pour in the new water from my bucket.

I assume I can just put my heater into my new water before I begin my gravel cleaning, and by the time I'm done siphoning my tank, the new water should be near the right temp.