How do I know if my TSS++ is working?

Just added Tetra SafeStart Plus into my 40 gallon breeder tank

For my stocking plan I would like 2-3 orandas and 5-10 shrimps (maybe ghost shrimps) Like stated in the title, I just added it in and would like to know if I should add everything now or just add 1 oranda until the 14 day mark is up and to do a water change and test and then add everything in. Also Ive heard of people doing water changes in between this time period. Ive heard to not to do anything unless you see the fish stressed or something. Is that the only way or would I still need to test it with the apI kit. Would I need to buy seachem stabability for water changes? Can I add the fish in within the 2 hour period or does it have to be exactly after? Thanks.

 

I think one goldfish in this tank would be more than enough for TSS, I would certainly try to add the fish today at the very least.

 

Did you wait 24 hrs after using a water conditioner to add the TSS+? I would only add one goldfish now within 2 hrs, wait the 14 days with no water changes. If after the 14 days, your ammonia and nitrite are 0 and you have some nitrates, you are cycled. You then do a large water change to bring your nitrates down below 20ppm. I would then add ONE more goldfish. Wait another week and if parameters still hold, add the last goldfish. I'd stick with 2 goldies in this tank size though.

Seachem Stability is another bacteria supplement like TSS+. You don't need it for water changes. Did you mean Seachem Prime?

 

I waited 1 day and a half before adding TSS+
I just got home with 1 oranda and its been a little over 2 hours. Are my bacteria dead now? I have sand on the bottom and it looks like its eating it. ????

Do I feed today or tomorrow? and how many times? I have omega one sinking pellets small size and the top fin goldfish flakes. Help

 

No, it should be fine. I doubt the bacteria died off that quickly.

Go ahead and feed the fish but not too much. I think once a day should be good.

 

It arrived hot and I think I also waited too long for me to add in the fish.. I just checked with apI kit. 8.0-8.2 ph, 0 nitrate, 0 nitrite, ammonia 0. I ve had him in the tank since wednesday and its saturday as of now. Should I be seeing results? Ive seen people test everyday and get good results and get cycled in 2 weeks. ????

 

Is your tank on week one? Did you add the entire bottle?

 

entire 8 ounce 3-4 days

 

If you are testing 0ppm ammonia and 0ppm nitrite, you have nothing to worry about at this time. Keep in mind that TSS does not work instantly and you will get a slight rise in ammonia. In fact, since TSS comes packaged in a "stabilized ammonia" I think there is a chance you would test positive for ammonia because of that (but I'm not sure, since I never tested that theory).

At this point it is impossible to tell if the TSS is working or not. But if you are using test strips, that could explain why you are reading zeros across the board. Test strips are notorious for being inaccurate. If you do not have an API Master Test Kit for Freshwater, I highly recommend you invest in one,

 

Do you have any fish in the tank? If so what kind and how many? Alison

 

How big is your tank? Is this the 40 gallon breeder is your profile? And you added one goldfish?

How long did you wait to add the fish after putting in the TSS+?

I think with a goldfish you're doing it right. I'd wait a couple of weeks before adding in another one. Make sure to test your parameters before and do a water change.

 

I have 1 4-5 inch oranda with tail. I think I waited too long for me to add him in (about 2 hours or more before adding him in the tank) Ive been feeding 3 times a day like stated on the omega one label. I give him 7-10 small pellets each time 3 times a day and also broccolI and peas on some days only one of either veggies ontop of 3 times a day feeding.

 

I think you're doing it right though I think feeding him twice a day would be better while cycling. Did you bang nitrate bottle #2 really hard on your hand or counter top before using it?

 

no..?

 

You need to do that or you'll get a false negative. I'd re-test it.

 

Day 5 of TSS+ and I'm not getting any results

Its a 40 gallon tank. I have 1 oranda 4 inches and 2 hob filters one with bio wheel with a total of 475 gph. I just tested the water with apI kit and .25 ammonia, 0 nitrate, 0 nitrate (yes I shook the second bottle) What do I do?I haven't changed anything.

 

What were the steps that you took when you added TSS+? The reason I ask is because when using the product there is one thing you need to keep in mind (that many of us unfortunately have made the mistake of doing, including myself) is that when you dechlorinate your water you need to wait 24 hours BEFORE adding TSS.

By any chance, did you do this? If so, I would purchase another bottle of TSS+.

Also, part of the instructions of using this product is that they suggest you do not test your water until after a week. What you should see, from my experience, are your water results off the roof (i.e. high nitrates, etc.). Whatever you do, if you do come across these results, DO NOT do a water change. You need to wait 2 weeks before you do a water change.

Speaking of water, if you think your tank needs water because of evaporation I would hold off from adding additional water. If for any reason you MUST add additional water, then dechlorinate your water on a separate container 24 hours BEFORE adding it.

Hope this helps.

 

When you started the tank did you use dechlorinated water and then wait 24 hours before adding the fish and the TSS+ at the same time? Have you done anything else to the tank? Alison

 

With one oranda in a 40 gallon I wouldn't assume its not doing its job if you followed directions. I wouldn't expect to see many nitrates. Do you have any plants?

The fact that you only show .25 ammonia with one oranda is a good sign that its working. I'd just wait it out. You can always add more, though I don't know if you need to.

You often don't see nitrites with this product so I wouldn't worry about that.

 

Several threads have been merged to help keep the information in one place.

 

You're only on day 5 so I'd give it the full 14 days. I don't think you should even bother testing either since it's making you question your cycle. If your fish is behaving strangely, that's when I think it's time to test.