d0ggiem0mma

I just setup a 50 gallon freshwater tank using Bio-Spira to help cycle the tank. I've looked EVERYWHERE for details on what the heck I'm doing! Here's my questions:

1) Do need to do anything else to cycle it such as adding ammonia etc?
2) When should I start adding fish? I've heard I need to add them fast or the bacteria will starve to death and I've also heard I need to wait because the cycle will take weeks.


Thanks in advance!

luna

1. Add your full planned bio-load of fish right away or the bacteria in the Bio-Spira WILL starve.
2. Waiting for weeks before adding fish is only if you're cycling the old-fashioned, slower ways.

voiceless_kat

Hi! Using Bio Spira makes it so much easier. Once you add it, add the fish, as Luna said.

You don't have to add anything else. After 7 days, as per instructions, do a partial water change. Don't do as \I did and do a part change prior to that because you have seen a spike in ammonia. It is ok.

When I first used it, I went to the Marineland website for more info, and also emailed their techs.

Good luck with it, I have never lost a fish. We are lucky to be able to find it, so many cannot!

Val

d0ggiem0mma

OK, so I need to add the fish sooner rather than later. I setup the tank and added the bio-spira last night. Should I add fish today? Tomorrow? Next Sunday?

I looked at the marineland site and couldn't find anything about bio-spira...

luna

d0ggiem0mma

Thanks so much for the input!

I'm going to pickup a small school to add to the tank this evening!

voiceless_kat

Kate, I couldn't find the link to PM you, read this from Marineland. I can't get the proper link, it seems to be under construction. Read it from the bottom up 0- I know, how confusing is that.
I highlighted the guys name in red you can contact: Robert Huber

the whole message woundl't copy/paste...I had tested the water before 7 days and freaked out cuz the parameters were up...they were supposed to be - I freaked and did a water change - not supposed to do that.


You should add the fish same time as Bio Spira. If you didn't do it last night, you should do it today, or the bacteria will starve. Do as Luna advises, it is correct.

If you want to contact Marineland, use the email address in this message.

Good luck. Val




From: US Marineland Consumer


Date: 9/28/2007 8:06:35 AM
To: Val
Subject: RE: Bio spira Help - Urgent


>Hello,
Just leave it alone. The water changes will remove bacteria while it is growing and settling. Bio-spira is too expensive to suck out and pour down the drain. J
Regards,
Robert Huber
United Pet Group, Aquatics Div.
Senior Consumer Relations Specialist
Robert.Huber@Tetra.net
1-800-526-0650 ext. 6126


From: Val

Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2007 3:08 PM
To: US Marineland Consumer
Subject: RE: Bio spira Help - Urgent


Thanks for your reply..........should I go ahead with a 25% water change tomorrow, or leave it for a couple of days? ( This fish thing is new to me, I appreciate the help)



Val

d0ggiem0mma

Thanks everybody! We added 6 Bleeding Heart Tetras tonight!