sirdarksol

Welcome to Fishlore, BassNFool.
I've got very little to add to the excellent advice above. I want to second Shawnie's statement that Prime does not replace daily water changes while the tank is cycling. The fish continue to produce ammonia, and this will overwhelm the Prime dosage, which is why you want to do daily water changes.

BassNFool

Well, I finally got the water testing stuff. The results:
Ammonia 0.1
nitrite: 0.0
nitrate: 10.0

I guess the stress-zyme is still keeping the levels ok. I will test again tomorrow. The fish seem to be doing well.

I wonder how long I will have to wait for the stress-zyme to give out and throw things into the normal cycle.

I'm loving my tank & fish.

BassNFool

jdhef

What can I say...it's a gift!

BassNFool

FishLoreMasters,

Well, that didn't take long. Second test...

Ammonia: 4.0
Nitrite: 0.0
Nitrate: 10

I did a 50% WC and the Ammonia level dropped to the expected 2.0 ( tested again to see if the added water had ammonia in it). Will a 2.0 Ammonia level hurt the fish? I do not yet have the Prime ( I live a long way from civilization ). Should I do another 50% WC in the morning.

Thanks all,

BassNFool

Lucy

Any amount of ammonia is toxic, but, yeah, 2.0 is pretty high.
If it were me, I'd do another 50% tonight.

BassNFool

Lucy, thanks for the quick reply.

I'm preparing for the second 50% WC.

BassNFool

BassNFool

I need to be much more careful to review my post before pressing the submit button...

The ammonia level was not 4.0, it was 0.4. I may have been doing a lot of work for nothing. My corrected numbers are:

Ammonia: 0.4
Nitrite: 0.0
Nitrate: 10

My test kit doesn't even read past 0.8. I feel stupid. So at what level must I do a WC?

Thanks,

BassNFool ( emphasis on FOOL )

BassNFool

My wife found the mis-reference to a girlfriend and the following discussion quite funny.

My girlfriend did not see the humour in it.

I kid, I kid

BassNFool

Tony G.

IMO you should do a WC eitherway since you have ammonia. LOL at the girlfriend hahaha

BassNFool

Day 5...
Today's readings: ( after 3 50% WC in 24 hours )
Ammonia: 0.0
nitrite: 0.0
nitrate: not tested

All fish still going good. I've ordered Tetra SafeStart to speed the process and limit the negative effects on the fish.

I've taken pictures on my phone and will post them when I get to work tomorrow. No cell service at home.

BassNFool

Lucy

jdhef

Of course you are kidding (wink, wink)

BassNFool

Day 6...
Today's readings:
Ammonia: 0.3
nitrite: not tested
nitrate: not tested

I then performed a 50% water cycle. I hope the Tetra SafeStart arrives soon.

BassNFool

BassNFool

Day 7...
Today's readings:
Ammonia: 0.3
nitrite: not tested
nitrate: not tested

I then performed a 50% water cycle.

I ordered the Tetra SafeStart on Oct 7 with priority shipping (1-3 days). It says it will arrive on Oct 13. Somebody's math is way off. I'm going to call and complain... I payed quite a bit extra for 1-3 day shipping. I'm quite irritated.

BassNFool

Lucy

I hope you get the TSS soon, did you pay extra for priority? Keep up the water changes, you're doing what you can right now.
How are your fish?

BassNFool

The fish seem to be doing fine. I am really enjoying them .

Yes I ordered the TSS with priority shipping. AAARRRGGG!!

Shawnie

keep the faith!!!!! you are doing well I remember my 9 weeks of daily 50% water changes on my 75 gal..and I dont have a python ..all buckets booo hoooo.....but id definitely ask for some type of refund on your shipping at least....wish I saw this thread earlier..id have sent you some good luck bass!!

BassNFool

Day 10...
Today's readings:
Ammonia: 0.4
nitrite: 0.0
nitrate: not tested

No nitrites yet

AAARRRGGGG....

I then performed a 50% water cycle.

BassNFool