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Originally Posted by Ordog
I dont have an activated carbon filter in anymore because i replaced it with an undergravel one.
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You could always buy a small foam pad-type filter as an additional filter (mechanical filter, they go for something like 20 dollars over here), and replace the foam pad with activated carbon. This has the other 2 advantages: extra filtration and a handy cycled foam pad to place in a new aquarium to kick-start the cycle.
P.S. I: I've seen activated carbon in 2 sorts: small bits of carbon which you need to put in a bag in your filter cartridge, or a foam pad that has lots of carbon dust on it. I was just warned to rinse the carbon like mad before putting it in. Its residue may hurt your fish if not rinsed out or something. I have no direct experience of needing to rinse, though, so up to you, but I thought I"d let you know.
P.S. II: Do remove your carbon after a while (2 weeks? Experts, please confirm) and replace it with a normal foam pad. Beyond that period, the carbon is saturated with toxins and will release them back in the water.
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Originally Posted by Ordog
I also dont have a test for nitrates, my kits test for NO2 which is nitrate, NH3 and NH4 which is ammonia and PH.
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Sounds like you've got a kit that specialises in cycle water chemistry.
NO2 = nitrites
NO3 = nitrates
NH3/NH4 = ammonia and ammonium
pH is, well, pH* *
I would get the test for nitrates on the side, then (they sell it on its own too), as that's the one you'll be using in the longer run (once your tank is cycled). But for now, the really toxic ones to look out for are NH3/4 and NO2, so you're equipped.
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Originally Posted by Ordog
Im going to go and get some prime later today, should i do a 50% water change before i add it? or should i only do a water change if i dont get any prime?
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You should do a water change whenever your water testing results come up with toxic amounts. You should change the water until they are back down to reasonable levels. As you're cycling, I expect you'll have to check your water quite regularly (at least 1x per day) and change it when necessary.*
You should always condition the water you put back in with Prime or other conditionner, even after you're done cycling, even in the long run. A water conditionner will bind up the nasty compounds you could find in your city water like chrorine or chloramine. Prime and other brands also detoxify nitrites/nitrates/ammonium/a.
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