Water testing

[latashalaine]

I have a 10 gal tank and the only thing i have done to it is add water from a friends tank. There are no fish or plants yet. I will be taking water to the lfs tomorrow to test and I was wondering what to expect or what the readings need to be. I am thinking about buying 2 guppies tomorrow and gonna try a fish in cycle. I will be dedicated to doing water changes 2x per week of at least 50%. My 3yr old is dying to see fish in his tank. Does this sound like a good plan?

 

[frank98284]

The best way to test you water is the API master test kit while you are doing a cycle you really need to keep an eye on your ammonia nitrite and nitrate. it costs about $30 but will contain about 800 tests. That way you will not have tou run to your local LFS twice a week since i see you live in the sticks.

 

[librarygirl]

Without fish your water is going to test fine. As soon as you add fish, the ammonia is going to rise. Two water changes a week likely won't be enough; you'll need to get your own liquid test kit and test daily and do water changes any time ammonia or nitrite are over .25. This can take 3-8 weeks. You might want to read these links first:
I just learned about cycling but I already have fish. What now?! - Aquarium Advice
Guide to Starting a Freshwater Aquarium - Aquarium Advice

 

[Mrs.h2012]

If you do a fish in cycle be prepared to do water changes everyday (if not daily!). If you want to do a fish in cycle I recommend only getting one fish, if you want guppies they are a good fish to cycle with. Again just get one to help control ammonia levels. Just remember anytime ammonia gets to .25 time for a water change. And really think about investing in an API test kit. You can order them online (I got mine of amazon for around $20).

 

[latashalaine]

Ok. Thank you guys so much. I ended up getting 2 sunset plattys today. I have the API test kit on the way and should be here tomorrow, but I just checked the order and it didn't include ammonia tests. I guess I should order those now. I can do daily changes…how much should the changes be until I can get my tests to know for sure, maybe 50%?

note: I ordered the liquid api master kit and it will be here Jan 2nd

 

[latashalaine]

also just found out that one is male and one is female.

 

[librarygirl]

The liquid API test should have the ammonia test included. Platys are messy fish. To be on the safe side I'd do a daily water change of 50% or so until the test kit comes in.

 

[latashalaine]

what fish would you suggest to add in. I was initially thinking more platys. can I add 2 more fish in a week?

 

[Mrs.h2012]

what fish would you suggest to add in. I was initially thinking more platys. can I add 2 more fish in a week?

If you are fish in cycling your 10g stick with the 2 platys until your cycled. I cycled my 10 with 2 plays as well, there were days I did multiple changes in one day, I couldn't imagine having more than 2 platys while cycling.

 

[latashalaine]

If you are fish in cycling your 10g stick with the 2 platys until your cycled. I cycled my 10 with 2 plays as well, there were days I did multiple changes in one day, I couldn't imagine having more than 2 platys while cycling.

Ok. Sticking with my 2 Platys until fully cycled. I just did a 50-60% change and plan on another tonight. They were so happy and playful once I finished! HAPPY! The cycle would be considered done after around 2-3 months and a 0 ammonia and nitrite reading and >40ppm nitrate, right?

 

[Mrs.h2012]

Ok. Sticking with my 2 Platys until fully cycled. I just did a 50-60% change and plan on another tonight. They were so happy and playful once I finished! HAPPY! The cycle would be considered done after around 2-3 months and a 0 ammonia and nitrite reading and >40ppm nitrate, right?

There's no set time frame for a cycle, mine took about 2 1/2 months, and those are the reading you will have once cycled the readings are what you go by to determine if you are cycled not a time frame. Once you are cycled and decide to add more fish, add them SLOWLY and in small quantities. With a fish in cycle you only build up enough BB for the bioload you have in your tank during cycling. Keep testing your water after adding new fish, wait a few weeks to give your BB time to adjust to your new bioload.

 

[latashalaine]

messy fish=better filter?

The liquid API test should have the ammonia test included. Platys are messy fish. To be on the safe side I'd do a daily water change of 50% or so until the test kit comes in.

All I have is the standard issued filter that came with the tank. Should I double filters or get a higher grade? since platys can be messy? (my tank just started cycling yesterday when I added the fish)

 

[Mrs.h2012]

All I have is the standard issued filter that came with the tank. Should I double filters or get a higher grade? since platys can be messy? (my tank just started cycling yesterday when I added the fish)

It's not a must do type thing but it is beneficial. It's recommended here to have double the amount of filtration for your tank size. On my 30g I have an aqueon quiet flow 30 and an aqua tech 30-60. It having more filtration does help with water quality.

 

[Mrs.h2012]

All I have is the standard issued filter that came with the tank. Should I double filters or get a higher grade? since platys can be messy? (my tank just started cycling yesterday when I added the fish)

So in your case if you could manage to fit a 20g filter on your 10g that would take care of double the filtration.