Two days into Safe Start cycle

juwanil · August 5th, 2008

I am currently two days into cycling my tank using Tetra Safe Start with 8 Zebra Danios and my tank has got a white cloudyness to it. From what i have read around this is a good sign as it means that the bacteria are multiplying. I did a 25% water change last night but wanted to get a second opinion. All of my fish are still alive and doing well. They do however periodically surface and gulp air. I do not have a test kit at the moment but plan on buying one when i get paid.

Shawnie · August 5th, 2008

im not sure about tetra safestart but if im correct, its like bio spira which you do not change the water for at least 7 days...does safestart have the same methods of cycleing? and maybe an extra bubble wand will help with airation

welshalien · August 5th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by juwanil

I am currently two days into cycling my tank using Tetra Safe Start with 8 Zebra Danios and my tank has got a white cloudyness to it. From what i have read around this is a good sign as it means that the bacteria are multiplying. I did a 25% water change last night but wanted to get a second opinion. All of my fish are still alive and doing well. They do however periodically surface and gulp air. I do not have a test kit at the moment but plan on buying one when i get paid.

Welcome to Fish Lore!

When using Bio-Spira or Safe Start, I don't think you are supposed to do any water changes for the first week. And testing isn't really recommended for that first week either because the results will make you nuts! But someone with more knowledge and experience than I have will probably be along shortly to help you more.

Kelly

jdhef · August 5th, 2008

Yes, don't do water changes for one week after adding Safe Start. And you are correct, the cloudiness is a bacteria bloom and the water should clear up on it's own in a few days.

David C · August 5th, 2008

I've used safestart twice successfully so far and the entire cycle tends to be over in a little under a weak. The cloudiness went away pretty fast and the fish never seemed to mind it. I did test daily the first time and was scared by the extreme readings, so definately don't test. I used an airstone so never noticed the gulping for air, sorry I cant be of more help.

Christian Patti · August 6th, 2008

Not to hijack your thread but I am going to cycle my 55 gallon with safe start and was wondering if I should add fish right after adding the safe start if so how many fish, im thing about starting with some cherry barbs. Or if I should feed the tank ammonia instead, if so how much ammonia?

thanks everyone

and i wish you like with your cycle, sometimes depending on the fish gulping for air can be signs or stress or not enough oxygen.. try adding a live pant or an air stone

jdhef · August 6th, 2008

You can add your fish right away. Just don't do any water changes for 7 days. Don't even bother testing your water for 7 days. The results will be innacurate.

Christian Patti · August 6th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdhef

You can add your fish right away. Just don't do any water changes for 7 days. Don't even bother testing your water for 7 days. The results will be innacurate.

And you think I can add my school of 6 cherry barbs straight away?

mrsmuffin · August 6th, 2008

I would think you could from what I have read, Christian, but I don't have any first hand experience with Safe Start.

jdhef · August 6th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christian Patti

And you think I can add my school of 6 cherry barbs straight away?

Yes, you should add them right away.

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