New Tank is Almost Ready!

[Solaris]

Yay! I'm finally almost ready to begin cycling my new 5 gallon tank!

I've had several nightmares about stuff catching on fire and what not, which has been resolved in my mind.

However, as I started to fill it up with water, I've been gripped by the terror of having it start leaking uncontrollably. I have about three centimetres of water in it, and I've been watching it like a hawk. But it seems to be alright so far.

How long do you think it will take for any leaks to show up after I fill it all the way?

[Oldfishlady]

That depends....fast leak...right away...Slow leak-usually about 24h...

Is this a brand new tank, is it glass or acrylic..Is this your only and/or first tank and cycling.

What is your cycling plan..Fish-in or fish-less
Do you have a test kit and if so, what kind is it and have to done a base line test on your source water-With and Without your regular additives you plan to use-like dechlorinator-this will help you rule out additives as a cuse for skewed results.
Type of filter, substrate, any live plants and finial stocking plan.

[shellieca]

I would fill it up, the more water in it the more pressure on the seams which would give you a better leak test. Set it out in the garage or some place that won't matter if it does leak. Once you're satisfied, empty it out & move it to where you want it to be. Most people I think will leak test for 24-48 hrs.

[Solaris]

This is a brand new glass tank. And this is my first attempt at cycling. It will be a fishless cycle using fish food as the ammonia source.
My test kit is the Nutrafin liquid test kit. But, I have yet to do a base test yet. (I figured that could wait while I confirm that the seals are secure.)

My filter is the Marina Slim S10, the substrate is white aquarium gravel, no live plants and I'll just be keeping one betta.

Originally Posted by Oldfishlady

That depends....fast leak...right away...Slow leak-usually about 24h...

Is this a brand new tank, is it glass or acrylic..Is this your only and/or first tank and cycling.

What is your cycling plan..Fish-in or fish-less
Do you have a test kit and if so, what kind is it and have to done a base line test on your source water-With and Without your regular additives you plan to use-like dechlorinator-this will help you rule out additives as a cuse for skewed results.
Type of filter, substrate, any live plants and finial stocking plan.

[Oldfishlady]

Sounds like a nice setup....

If you haven't already, read this sticky to help give you more info on Betta specific cycling.
http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=107771

Fish food can work as your ammonia source, however, you can also end up with a lot of bad bacteria from the fish food as it decomps.

[Solaris]

Thanks Oldfishlady! It was very informative!

I am going to be very careful with the fish food. I wanted regular Ammonia, but that is no longer an option for me.