Nexxorcist

Hey guys, so I setup my tank yesterday afternoon, using used filter + gravel. I ended up doing a 50% water change because my friend's gravel had soil and it was making the water look super cloudy.

I did my tests this morning, and I'm not getting any readings at all. Was I supposed to put ammonia, fish food, or even fish in yesterday? Did I accidently starve all of my good bacteria already? Or does it take a couple of days for it to filter through the water?

Lucy

You would have to feed the bacteria, any of the ways you mention should be ok.

Without any ammonia to process the bacteria has nothing to convert to have any readings for, if that makes sense.

It would be helpful if you would edit your aquarium information so the members can see what type of tank you have.

Nexxorcist

ah, ic. definitely makes sense. ill pop a lil bit of fish food in there since its the only thing i have on hand right now. thanks lucy! and ill hop on the info as well.

Dino

24 hours is not going to starve the bacteria.
Without adding some source of ammonia production ( food, fish, ect) they will starve in a few days, as mentioned above.
What are you using as filter media? ( sponges, cartiges, filter floss)

Nexxorcist

I'm using an Aqueon 10 HOB and it has it's own filter floss+carbon contraption inside of it.

I also stuffed my friend's used filter floss in the filter holder as well.