Water Chemistry Basics

[bahamut285]

Hmm, I posted a response but apparently it didn't show up...what was I going to say? @_@

If the case is that it only turns mucky when the water company flushes it, then there is something wrong on their end (not just the dummy contractor, haha). You should definitely call up and complain, or write a letter. The water company cannot honestly expect people to live in such conditions, let alone aquatic pets.

In any case, I'm glad that a senior member helped you out, and I wish you and your fish best of luck in health!

[bahamut285]

Hmm

[indjo]

Thank you for the kind thoughts.

I only need to be extra careful when filling up my drum (direct tap water - not from the big tub). And I'll give dechlors another shot.
I've begun to start over ..... what ever my condition is, I cannot do without bettas and or aquatic pets..... lol

[bahamut285]

I'm bumping this because people have had a lot of questions about water chemistry recently

[phoenix91]

Was wondering if anyone could help me. I'm busy cycling a 5 gallon, i'm doing a fishless cycle. the tank has 1 plant (i'm waiting on the rest to be delivered) and is filtered with a bio-wheel. the gravel is in as is the sand under the gravel.

So i've been testing the water and my ammonia levels have spiked, how long does it take the bacteria (i've been adding bacteria i bought from the store as i don't have any kind of filter media to add to the tank from an already cycled tank) to cause the nitrite to spike?

I've been dosing the tank with household ammonia, maybe 1-2 drops per day for roughly 6 days now.

[bahamut285]

@Phoenix91: Tanks usually take a couple of weeks to cycle. I remember it took my 5 Gal around 4.5 weeks to fully cycle properly. Since you say your ammonia has spiked, bacteria should move in soon :)...give them time to find some nice real-estate XD.

[ChelseaK]

This should be stickied I think.

[Pekemom]

Wow - excellent work. Very well explained. Great job!

[Harley]

Originally Posted by ChelseaK

This should be stickied I think.

+1

[phoenix91]

Originally Posted by bahamut285

@Phoenix91: Tanks usually take a couple of weeks to cycle. I remember it took my 5 Gal around 4.5 weeks to fully cycle properly. Since you say your ammonia has spiked, bacteria should move in soon :)...give them time to find some nice real-estate XD.

Yeah i figured it would take a little time, if i put the plants in will this affect the cycle or should i wait until after it's finished? i can add the drift wood to give the bacteria somewhere to live.