Beginner mistake on water change!

[Mikeymikerson]

I went to do a 6 litre water change in my 24 litre tank. Had a fresh bucket ready filled. I took out 6 litres and though I would give the sponge filter a wee rinse as it wasnt pumping as fast as normal.

This is the good bit!

Instead of rinsing in the used water I done it in the replacement water. And then I refilled 6 litres of the old water back in . Honestly it must be too early in the morning.

Anyway I took 6 back out and put the clean 6 in this time.

Only issue is im in a fish in cycle and ammonia was at 1 ppm so I thought I would change some water. Would the filter hold any ammonia that I rinsed into the new water then added?

I am going to do another 5 litre change in 12 hours, would that be ok?

My fish must think im a right plonker!




Thanks for your help in advance

 

[CrackerboxPalace]

Hey mikeymikerson, I’m guessing the fresh water wasn’t conditioned yet? If it was, no need for any worry about the nitrifying bacteria in the media.

If not you’ll probably have to brace for a setback in your cycle, but with substrate and all it shouldn’t be too big of a deal particularly when the cycle isn’t well established yet. Just keep monitoring your ammonia and nitrite and do water changes to keep em down where necessary. Nothing wrong with another water change in 12 hours, taking into consideration the usual water change protocol with temperature etc. to minimise stress

 

[Mikeymikerson]

Hi there, thanks for your reply.

The water was conditioned API tap water conditioner. The cycle is still in early days as no readings for nitrite or nitrate. Good to hear another 5 litre change wont hurt. Give me peace of mind!

 

[CrackerboxPalace]

Nothing to worry about then. No chlorine or other tap nasties to kill your bacteria, happy days

 

[Mikeymikerson]

Nothing to worry about then. No chlorine or other tap nasties to kill your bacteria, happy days

I did think that but needed some expert advice! When your a beginner you do question everything! Thank you so much