Fish-less Cycle 36 gal. Bow Front

[Thumper828]

Hey all! Finally setting up my tank. Hope to start cycle after while. Any tips along the way would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Rodeo one]

We re here for ya! Best of luck .

 

[Thumper828]

Thank Ya!!! So far I got about an inch and half of flora max in. Couldn't find the eco complete, hope this will do all right. It had some packets of "bio-magnet"....not to sure what to do with that. Any way Ill keep a check here and update as I progress......

 

[Rodeo one]

Sounds good.. .... Love seeing pics of tank builds.

 

[Thumper828]

 

[Thumper828]

Dang....sideways..

 

[Fresh2o]

Dang....sideways..

Not if you turn your head sideways.

What ammonia source will you be using?

 

[Thumper828]

the best I found is home 360 clear ammonia. no ace around here that I know off

 

[Thumper828]

Alright!!! Got water in the tank. I'm gonna go get my plants here in a bit. Just gonna take a break. Haven't dosed ammonia yet. Should I wait till plants are in or go ahead? And should I shoot for 5ppm or 4ppm?

 

[Thumper828]

Tiny pic is not uploading my pics.

 

[Rodeo one]

Plants, then ammonia to 4 ppm. Maybe about 8 mls of ammonia ?

 

[Thumper828]

Hey Thanks!!! Headed out to petsmart. Will update after while.

 

[Thumper828]

Ok got it dosed. gonna wait a few to test. On average, how long do you wait to test?

 

[Thumper828]

ok.......Aug. 10 2013,4:50pm

ammo. 4.0
ph 7.6
nitrite 0.0
nitrate 0.0

Tank looks great. For some reason Can't upload.....???? Took pics ever step of the way..kinda disappointed.

 

[Rivercats]

Don't know if you've read this AA article but it's very helpful... The (almost) Complete Guide and FAQ to Fishless Cycling - Aquarium Advice

 

[Thumper828]

I've read that article many times...

Just checked the ammonia... its a touch darker than 4.0 think it'll b ok?

While you reading.... what's the best way to clean the test tubes? Are there any more of a accurate test ? I have the API master kit.

 

[Rivercats]

I've used the API test kits since the 80's probably. I know it's the one I've always used and it IMO is as good or better than the other brands. I actually just rinse my tubes out and shake the excess water out. Then let them air dry. You don't want to use anything in them as residue could alter or react with the chemcials you use in them.

 

[Thumper828]

 

[Thumper828]

Finally got it

 

[Fresh2o]

Finally got it

Good. Next comes patience and more planning (where the plants will go, changes in stocking list, etc).