capekate

Well, I wanted to add this chart and record in my blog on the cycle of the 125g.
On 3/1 I added the substrate, decorations (from other tanks) including the established driftwood w/java moss. I also added four bags of gravel from established tank.
On 3/3 I added four BB filled sponges to the canister filter along with adding three rainbows to the tank.
On 3/5 tested water. Results are in photo below. O ammonia, 0 nitrite and 5 nitrate.(possibly a bit higher but below 10) pH 6.6
With all the seeded media, driftwood, decor, 4 bags of established gravel, 4BB packed full established sponges in the filter my tank has cycled in three days.
I will keep an eye on the tests for a week and monitor the results.

Attached Images

125 tank photos and test readings 021.jpg (247.9 KB, 14 views)

Jonah

Nice one Kate a result that will help many others i am sure

capekate

Your welcome Joe.
I was quite surprised to see the quick results.Tho I knew with seeded media the cycle goes very fast, just didnt know it would be that fast. I will be very cautious in the next few days with tests just to be sure.

Shawnie

congrats!! are fish in there already also? how is the tank being fed ? give us allll the details!!!!!

Lucy

Good job Kate. All that used media is great for a quick cycle

capekate

Thanks Lucy and Shawnie.
Well today I am going to add the 4 BRs to the tank. I really need to do a black out in the 55 so that I can get that ready for the JDs and the lil brat convict. uggh that fish is sure a terror of the tank! grrr...
I just did another water test and thought that the main things at this point to watch for are ammonia and nitrite.
Here are the results for today. Still doing great.. 0 ammonia and 0 NitrIte. and I will have to be diligent in watching the readings once I add the BRs to the tank. Adding four of them may tilt the cycle a bit, hoping that it wont. But these guys need to be moved asap as they are not happy in the cloudy green water.
My plans for additional fish are turning to 2 schooling fish species, still not sure which ones tho. I like the look of the lemon tetras and my husband is hoping that I get some playties as we used to have them, but my PH of 6.6 may be too low for them?
I also plan on adding a school of cories.. at some point.

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125 tank photos and test readings 022.jpg (218.2 KB, 9 views)

Jonah

Still looking good there Kate. Re the plattys if you get them locally check with the LFS that they are not raising the PH in their water. If they are not its likely that they have been raised in very similar condidtions. The PH within reason is not going to affect the fish providing that it is stable and does not fluctuate.

Of course you need a little school of Corrys, isnt it the law?

haedra

Yes!

MissMTS

Sounds great Kate! I love seeding new tanks with old filter media. Its so much less stressful than doing the cycle from scratch. I can't wait to see pics when you get some. Lemon tetras would look pretty with your BRP's I also like rainbows as schooling fish. They would love it in a 125g tank! A school of cories would also be awesome. Keep us posted on the tank's progress

capekate

I will be working on three tanks this afternoon. Cleaning out Phoenix's tank, and prob will add the convict there. Also moving the BRs to the 125 and then cover the 55g with black garbage bags to keep out any light and see if that doesnt get rid of the green water.
Thanks for the advice Jonah...
I will ask them what they keep their fish in, but it may very well be the same PH as I have here so that would be good.
Haedra,
Of course I have to have corie cats! I used to have them and really liked them. I think that six or so would be really nice in there.
Hi Kate,
yes I will be sure and post photos when the fish have been moved. Oh I also love the rainbows, I have three huge ones that have been with me for over a year now and I would like to add about four more to that group.
I want to be on the look out for some with nice tailfin coloring. I lucked out with one of them in my siggie photo and on my profile photos. Love the colors...
So possibly to round out the numbers for the 125 may be:
4 BRs
7 A. Rainbows
7 Lemon Tetras (first possibility if I find them) or Buenos Aires Tetra if I
cant.
6 cory cats
1 Striped Rapheal Catfish.
Ohh and I have to bring back Ricky Blue my Discus who for the time being is sharing the 29g divided with the Angel. He will be very happy in there.

capekate

Did another water test yesterday about 24 hrs after introducing the Parrots to the tank. The results are still good.. 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and between 5- 10 for nitrate.
Everyone is doing well... I will keep the current number of fish for about two weeks before I think about additions, with the cories being the last to go in. Ricky Blue my Discus is doing so well in the divided 29, his coloring looks great, so will keep him there for awhile before seeing how he does in the 125.
Now guess the next thing to wait for is the dreaded diatoms.. uggh... what a mess the white sand is going to look like for awhile.
test reading results for 3/7

Attached Images

	125 tank photos and test readings 028.jpg (125.8 KB, 7 views)
	125 tank photos and test readings 029.jpg (131.2 KB, 7 views)