CDA

Just wanted to thank you all for the great info on this site. My tank finished cycling about a month ago and am now fully or slightly overstocked. I thought the cyling process would never complete. I was told by the local big box pet store that the only way to get the cyle going was with fish. I found out differently once I found all of the wonderful info. on your site. I tried safe start twice. The first time it didn't work for me and the cycle crashed. I then did the daily water changes with Prime to keep my remaining fish alive. After a few weeks I decided to give the Safe Start another try. I ordered some on Ebay and Bam! Instant Cycle. I think I may have been close to completing my cycle, however this really pushed me over the top. Over the past month I have been slowly stocking and now am slightly over stocked. Everybody seems really happy and everything is very peaceful. I do 20% water changes twice a week and the parameters are Amm=0 nitrite = 0 pH= 6.8 and nitrates about 20. I am on a well and the nitrates coming out of the tap are about 5. I found this out during my cycle thinking I had nitrates until I had the good sense (thanks to the members who put this thought in my head) to test my tap and found out that I did not have any nitrates produced by the cycle.

I have found a locally operated fish store a few towns away and it is worth the trip to see the wonderful setups and great healthy fish they keep. Not to mention the so very reliable information they provide. I now support them 100% for all my fish and supplies. I haven't posted much, although I spend literally about an hour or 2 a day looking over all the info. posted by others which is how I got through the cycle process. Now hopefully I can be of some assistance to others who are currently in the position I was in just a few months ago. Again thank you all and I consider you all a part of my extended family. I also see a 29 G in my not to distant future.

alicem

What a great start! Congrats on "surviving the cycle"
It can be very trying, expecially the first time. All your time spent researching paid off, well done.

A 29G is a good size for most homes. Give yourself some time before getting your next tank, tho.
You may have an opportunity to go even larger than that.
Also, after a few more months (give it 6 months to stablilize) your tank will be alot more mature and stable.
Then you can share filter media with you future tank (29G or bigger ) to get it's cycle going.

alicem

Tony G.

Welcome
i hadnt welcomed you yet

This site is great! i have been here for a little while and i learn more and more each day

I agree ^^
I would give it a little time before getting another tank, that way when you get it you may be able to go up a couple gallons

Congrats on the Finished Cycle!, cant wait to see pics of the tank

aquarist48

Congrats on the cycle CDA! Now I hope you can relax and enjoy your fish. When you are ready to give information to help others by all means chime in. Anytime any of us aren't exactly correct someone else will chime in and help or respectfully disagree. We all learn something new every day.
Have fun and enjoy the site!
Ken

Shawnie

what a great thread...I think allot of us have been where you were and I can speak for myself , fishlore and its great members saved all of my fish from a guaranteed death sentence with all their help and support....good luck and im glad things worked out good for you and your fish!

peacemaker92

Congrats CDA! Glad you're happy with your tank now I know the feeling!

Lucy

I'm so glad everything is going well with your tank.
Thank you for doing all the work it rook to help your fish get through the cycle.