New tank doing fabulous!

[Sheridonia]

I'd like to thank everyone that has given me advice on starting my tank over. I've got two neon tetras doing wonderful. I called this GREAT fish place in Elgin, IL that gave me great advice.

But I do have a question.
My tank is "due" for a changing. The fish have been in for about a week. But, do I wait so the bacteria grow or should I change for the ammonia aspect?

 

[splattered]

Define "changing". You mean like the filter? I wouldn't touch anything for a month or 2. When it starts to smell like a pond you'll know

 

[BBradbury]

Your Tank

I'd like to thank everyone that has given me advice on starting my tank over. I've got two neon tetras doing wonderful. I called this GREAT fish place in Elgin, IL that gave me great advice.

But I do have a question.
My tank is "due" for a changing. The fish have been in for about a week. But, do I wait so the bacteria grow or should I change for the ammonia aspect?

Hello Sher...

Is this tank cycled? If not, you should be testing the water daily for traces of nitrogen. Nitrogen in any form, is toxic to fish. You should have a water testing kit that will test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. if you have a positive test for ammonia or nitrite, you should remove and replace 25 percent of the old water and replace that with tap water treated with a chemical that removes the chemicals the public water people put into the water to make it safe for you to drink. These chemicals are also toxic to fish.

Maybe you need to check back with the fish store people and ask them to explain the "Nitrogen Cycle" to you.

B

 

[splattered]

At this point I just assume ppl keep plants unless they're breeders or aggressive keepers. It's such an insurance policy to have. Let mother nature do the water chemistry. Why reinvent the wheel? It's so much easier! I also don't use tap water it's garbage! I buy spring water or use well water when I can get it. It's cheaper than prime and stress coat and all that nonsense. It's really not rocket science if it was astronauts would be weird bald guys smoking weed in their underwear

 

[BettaPonic]

At this point I just assume ppl keep plants unless they're breeders or aggressive keepers. It's such an insurance policy to have. Let mother nature do the water chemistry. Why reinvent the wheel? It's so much easier! I also don't use tap water it's garbage! I buy spring water or use well water when I can get it. It's cheaper than prime and stress coat and all that nonsense. It's really not rocket science if it was astronauts would be weird bald guys smoking weed in their underwear

I have heard a lot of fishkeepers have trouble with well water. Some well water can be contaminated with excess nutrients and chemicals. Do you mean drinking water? A lot of breeders use plants. Tap water can be pretty great. The water quality in my area is great for my Livebearers. You don't have to use prime or stress coat. Just add dechlorinator. Can you explain your last comment please? Plants are not going to do all the work. The nutrients they need run out and the minerals in the tank get used.