Junfish
- #1
Hey guys! Ok I have a bit of an complex problem that I really need some advice on. My old betta of 4 years has passed away recently;( leaving behind a 10 gallon planted tank with 2 ghost shrimp. Here's the problem, I want to tear it down and start over. The reasons for this is because:
1. Since my betta has died the water parameters have gone a bit out of wack and there is a slight detection of ammonia, and I honestly want to start the cycle over now that there is no fish.
2. I am having a severe algae problem right now, and would love to be able to just wipe/scrub it off from the glass and plants.
3. The main reason I want to tear it down is because I recently added a bunch of plants (that I thought I washed thoroughly ugh) that introduced.... many creatures. Although harmless, I really don't want them there. (detritus worms, copepods, seed shrimp) and I know that they mainly live in the substrate.
However, I still have ghost shrimp and plants that need a home. So is there any safe chemical out there I can clean the tank with that I can quickly put living things back in the tank? (I realize I would have to start the cycle over which might kill the shrimp anyways, but it shouldn't hurt the plants- also I have an old filter cartridge with beneficial bacteria so hopefully it won't take too long) I have heard that Hydrogen peroxide is safe and can kill algae, is that a good idea? Or should I use something stronger such as bleach, but could be harmful to the inhabitants? I am also planning not to clean the substrate because I want to keep the nutrients and beneficial bacteria, but then some of the creatures would still be alive...
Ok clearly I am lost and thank you for reading this far, hopefully someone can just give me their input on what they think or would do in this situation. Thank you!
1. Since my betta has died the water parameters have gone a bit out of wack and there is a slight detection of ammonia, and I honestly want to start the cycle over now that there is no fish.
2. I am having a severe algae problem right now, and would love to be able to just wipe/scrub it off from the glass and plants.
3. The main reason I want to tear it down is because I recently added a bunch of plants (that I thought I washed thoroughly ugh) that introduced.... many creatures. Although harmless, I really don't want them there. (detritus worms, copepods, seed shrimp) and I know that they mainly live in the substrate.
However, I still have ghost shrimp and plants that need a home. So is there any safe chemical out there I can clean the tank with that I can quickly put living things back in the tank? (I realize I would have to start the cycle over which might kill the shrimp anyways, but it shouldn't hurt the plants- also I have an old filter cartridge with beneficial bacteria so hopefully it won't take too long) I have heard that Hydrogen peroxide is safe and can kill algae, is that a good idea? Or should I use something stronger such as bleach, but could be harmful to the inhabitants? I am also planning not to clean the substrate because I want to keep the nutrients and beneficial bacteria, but then some of the creatures would still be alive...
Ok clearly I am lost and thank you for reading this far, hopefully someone can just give me their input on what they think or would do in this situation. Thank you!