Welcome to FishLore! It's great to have you with us! To get you started, here's a link to articles you really need to read and understand to keep your tank healthy
http://www.fishlore.com/Forum/index.php?topic=620.0
Next, I agree that your local fish store (
LFS) guy gave you bad advice when he told you that you didn't need test kits. You absolutely need them! I would recommend you purchase an Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Master Test Kit. You can order one online (PetSmart has them on sale for $13.49 right now), or try and find one locally. Usually the local stores sell them for about $30.00 unless you get one on sale. You can even try and print the PetSmart ad and take it to your local PetSmart and they might possibly honor the sale price. Testing you tank water is essential in knowing when something is wrong in your tank. Even the experts can't tell by looking at the water when there's a problem. I have had zero luck with that cycle product. In my opinion, it is expensive junk you are pouring in your tank. I would not buy any more if I was you. Now that you have quite a few fish in your tank, your
ammonia and
nitrite levels will be rising, and you'll need your test kit to monitor this and keep the levels down by doing water changes, so your fish don't get sick. You will understand what I am talking about when you read the cycling article. Make sure you understand completely what cycling is, and ask questions when you don't understand something. You are probably gonna have a rough ride ahead. Please do not buy any more fish at this time, even if you lose some. Your tank needs to be cycled before adding any more fish. We will be here to help you get your tank running and work with you until the tank is cycled. We love to talk fish, and hope you will continue to post here and talk to us. Let us know when you get that master test kit, and then post your ammonia, nitrite, and
nitrate levels so we can help you along. We're glad you've decided to join us, and hope you find this site fun and helpful!
)!!!!!!
