I have been posting on another message board, but after going to my LFS today I wanted to get a second opinion from a different group of people.
I have a 55 gallon tank, 3.5 weeks into a "fish in cycle". My nitrites are ranging between 2-5 (depending on water changes), ammonia is about .5 and nitrates are 0-5. via API test kit
I went to the LFS today asking for filter media, since I'm new to the area and unable to get any from friends etc.. I've posted on Craigslist as well trying to find someone to donate. The store wont do it, because of the risk of spreading disease and being accused. I've asked two stores...one (the actual localy owned one) and they don't even think I need to be cycling, and the PetCo, which says I should cycle.
The PetCo reccomended the Nutrafin Cycle bottle (I brought it home), but the other message board has a bunch of info against it. The LFS lady also said doing 100% and 50% water changes are a BAD idea and told me whatever fourm I was on was giving me terrible advice. I wanted to get a second fourms opinions on what is going on. I have a 55 gallon with 3 gupies, and 1 pleco and 2 ghost shrimp at this time. I had added some live plants, just a few at this time though.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I have a 55 gallon tank, 3.5 weeks into a "fish in cycle". My nitrites are ranging between 2-5 (depending on water changes), ammonia is about .5 and nitrates are 0-5. via API test kit
I went to the LFS today asking for filter media, since I'm new to the area and unable to get any from friends etc.. I've posted on Craigslist as well trying to find someone to donate. The store wont do it, because of the risk of spreading disease and being accused. I've asked two stores...one (the actual localy owned one) and they don't even think I need to be cycling, and the PetCo, which says I should cycle.
The PetCo reccomended the Nutrafin Cycle bottle (I brought it home), but the other message board has a bunch of info against it. The LFS lady also said doing 100% and 50% water changes are a BAD idea and told me whatever fourm I was on was giving me terrible advice. I wanted to get a second fourms opinions on what is going on. I have a 55 gallon with 3 gupies, and 1 pleco and 2 ghost shrimp at this time. I had added some live plants, just a few at this time though.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!