momo9700

Argh! I absolutely hate it... I tried the method where you put the used filter media in the filter thing or whatever, and apparently it didn't work. *sigh* I mean, really, how could I mess up with that? Can someone give me a REALLY detailed explanation of how to do it so I can fix it before my fish die? This is only my third time going through the cycle, but my first time doing it with actual knowledge of what needs to happen.

Btw, I might need to get some new water conditioner, I don't know if mine is okay or not. Its API brand. says "Tap Water Conditioner" on the front, Removes chlorine and breaks the chloramine bond. Whatever that means. Is it good enough? I've been using it for a year....

The worst part is, I've done research on all this But I still don't get it...

Lucy

Which tank is this?
Sometimes there's not enough bacteria on the seeded filter media to sustain the cycle if you've added too many fish at once.
The bacteria needs time to catch up so you might still find you're self doing water changes.
Whar are your readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

momo9700

My ammonia reading was <.25ppm or what ever the closest thing to zero is. Nitrite 0ppm and Nitrate was 0ppm as far as I am concerned. It's been two weeks that this tank was setup, the filter media was from my ten gal, with two platies and a neon tetra. I'm thinking I didn't keep the bacteria fed well enough for the week I didn't have fish, but I fed the tank I think every other day? BTW, in the filter what side does the used media go on? like, um....IDK how to describe it. theres the 29 gal filter media and does the used media go in so...ugh I really can't describe this. Things like filter media absolutely dumbfound me.

Lucy

Are there fish in the 29g? It could be some bacteria died off between the time you put the media in the 29 and added fish.
If there's room, you can shove the extra filter toward the back.

momo9700

Yeah, there's fish. Thats what I'm thinking. What do you mean "shove the extra filter in the back"? I'm really out of it, so this isn't making much sense. And do you think my fish will be ok? I hate water changes...I need another bucket, mine's only 3gal so 10% water change is my limit for now....

Lucy

I'm not familiar with a lot of different kinds of filters, but what kind is yours?
You should be able to put the used media inside the filter.

momo9700

Uhhhh....Whisper Power Filter 30. It came with the tank.

Lucy

Ok, I have one of those on my 30g. Just tuck the used filter media behind the cartridge, toward the back of the filter.
And you're right, cycling can be a pain.

momo9700

Okay, I did what you said. Anything else I need to do? And any thoughts on the water conditioner?(see first post)

Lucy

I would recommend using either Prime or Stress Coat+ (not plain stress coat) they will detox the ammonia for 24hrs between water changes.

momo9700

So then, how does that work? Do I just put in X amount of drops every day? or what?

Lucy

You add it to the new water instead of whatever conditioner you were using. Both prime and stress coat+ will remove chlorine and chloramines as well as detox heavy metals.