Meenu

Hi,
I am in the process of starting a new tank. I've been reading a lot, and have a biowheel filter with 2 filter cartidges, a heater, airstones, decorations, and a thermometer.

We have RO water in our house, so that is what we are using. The petstore (Petsmart, Petco, and a locally owned shop) people have also recommended "Cycle". They all assure me that since we are using RO water, we can add in the "Cycle" without any other treatment of the water.

The privately owned petstore also recommended some product (don't remember the name) that will keep the good bacteria up in the tank.

Once I have added the "Cycle", how long before I can add the first 3 fish?

Thanks!

steve_58

What kind and what size fish are you planning on putting in to star?

Meenu

Danios or tetras. I want to end up with about 6-8 danios, 1 black molly, and 3-6 tetras.

Lucy

Hi Welcome to FishLore
I'm sorry, I can't answer your question about RO water, but I'm sure someone else can.

I'd recommend not using Cycle. It contains the wrong kind of bacteria. It's not aquatic and dies off quickly, never allowing your tank to cycle properly.
Members have had their cycles crash after they stopped using this product.

Several member have had luck cycling with TetraSafeStart. You would add TSS at the same time you add your fish. Otherwise, I'd suggest you do a fish less cycle.

Here's a sticky about Four Methods of Fish Less Cycling

Good luck!

aquarist48

Hello MommyBaby and Welcome to Fish Lore. If you are using strictly RO water it is my understanding you may need an RO Conditioner. I'm sure you'll get more responses on this soon. I haven't used it personally. It's something to add in the General Hardness (GH) and alkalinity (KH) back into RO water.
Great advice from Lucy. The chemicle "Cycle" is not highly recommended. The nitrogen cycle is crucial to fish keeping and is best done naturally or with Tetra Safe Start (TSS). TSS has worked for many but not for all.
Best of luck and enjoy the site.
http://www.fishlore.com/reverse_osmo...ionization.htm
Ken

mathas

The RO process removes almost everything from water, including essential minerals the fish need and buffers against rapid and undesirable pH swings. For this reason, many people use a combination of RO and tap water, usually when they are keeping and/or breeding delicate soft-water fish like discus, and their municipal water supply is very hard.

SkepticalAquarist.com says:
If you need to use 100% pure RO water for some reason, you should consider using a buffer like SeaChem Equilibrium, Kent R/O Right, or Kent Liquid R/O Right.

Meenu

Thanks!

Meenu

Another question: if I am using RO water (it's reverse osmosis, all minerals, etc., are removed from it), then do I still need to condition the water? It has no chlorine, etc. If I do, can you explain the reason?

Or is it enough if I just add something to keep the slime coat up?

ABCDemily

I always, always condition my water, even when it came from my next door neighbours RO unit. They do often contain certain things beneficial to fish, and protects them well.

Personally I find it easier not to use RO water, I'm in a super duper hard area, and if I remove all the minerals etc, then I'd have to put them back in as they are often beneficial.

Good luck with the water!

jdhef

I believe that you shouldn't have to use a water conditioner with your R.O. water,but there are some benefits to using a product such as Prime of Amquel+ other than removing chlorine and heavy metals. Amquel+ for examples helps detox nitrates, and both Prime and Amquel+ detox ammonia and nitrites for 24 hours. They also help the slime coat as you mentioned.

I also believe that when using R.O. water, you need to add trace elements to the water, since these elements are necessary for the fish's health. Back in the '80's when I dabbled in saltwater for a little while you used to be able to buy bottles of trace elements, so I assume they are still available.