New To The Hobby, A Little Help, Please?

Hey everyone!!

Let me give you some background info. My boyfriend thought it would be sweet (it was) to surprise me with a fish tank for Christmas. He got me a 2.5 gallon bow front. Turns out keeping smaller tanks are harder than larger ones, but Ive have kept my 3 Glofish alive since then!! He didnt do much in terms of setting it up other than using the water conditioner that came with the starter kit and let it run for two days before adding fish.

Since my interest in fish has grown, Ive decided to start a bigger tank. I have 20 gallon high tank starter kit made by Marineland. It came with a heater and a Penguin 150 bio-wheel filtration system. I went to Petsmart and the associate there told me it was sufficient enough to dechlorinate the tank, add API Stress Zyme+, come back in a few days to have them test the water and if the levels come back OK, I can start to add fish. I filled my tank and added the chemicals on Friday 2/3 and its 2/5 and the water looks a slightly cloudy...

Am I doing this right? I have been reading and this doesn't seem like the way to go...I really enjoy fish and would love to take on the responsibility of this hobby/life style. Please help. Ive grown quite attached to 3 Glofish and I don't want to lose them because of poor directions given to me by a Petsmart associate.

Thanks for your time!!

 

Use Tetra SafeStart, rather than StressZyme. That stuff doesn't work.

Actually, if you just wanted to move the fish you have in there now over to the new tank, use the same gravel (if you want), filter inserts, and decor, and you'll be perfectly fine

Cloudy water is the bacteria trying to get ahold in the tank. It should clear up soon.

You're on the right track, though

 

Hello! Click the link in my siggy about the nitrogen cycle and please please read that! It will help tons!

Then ask me any more questions you might have!

 

Stress Zyme is really designed for breaking down waste in gravel and not for cycling a tank. It works for what it is designed for. TSS is good for cycling a new tank.

 

Welcome to FishLore!!

Good advice from Akari.

Post some pics when you get a chance.
Good luck!

 

I just gave you a sigh of relief!!

I know there is no exact way to do things in this world. Its mostly read around, get some advice, and do what you feel is best. I am just a particularly cautious person.

So I really could move my fish over so soon? Should I wait till I get the water tested at Petsmart? (I take advantage of their free water testing rather than buying my own)

thank you!!

 

Welcome to Fishlore!

One thing that many local fish stores fail to tell their patrons is about the importance of cycling a tank. With no ammonia source to feed bacteria, when you go back in a few days they will start selling you more items and fish.

There are several ways to cycle a tank. You have the choice of using fish, as was the case wit your smaller tank, or by using alternate ammonia sources. As the cycling process is very hard on fish to survive, I suggest using a fishless method.

Here are some links that may help determine which method you'd like to try:

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/four-methods-of-fish-less-cycling.48446/
https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/q-a-with-tetra-about-tetra-safestart.58116/


I recommend not using StressZyme. This is a bacterial product that must be constantly added to the tank as it gives a false sense of security.

Good luck!

 

I just gave you a sigh of relief!!

I know there is no exact way to do things in this world. Its mostly read around, get some advice, and do what you feel is best. I am just a particularly cautious person.

So I really could move my fish over so soon? Should I wait till I get the water tested at Petsmart? (I take advantage of their free water testing rather than buying my own)

thank you!!

You could move the decor, etc, over, and add the fish, sure. Keep a check on the parameters (Love PetSmart and their free testing lol). There needs to be a source of ammonia in the tank for the StressZyme to work.

This hobby is definitely about looking around, then doing what you think will work

...

I recommend not using StressZyme. This is a bacterial product that must be constantly added to the tank as it gives a false sense of security.

...

Yep

 

Aright, thanks so much guys!!

So knowing that I have added StressZyme, could I add TSS in addition to it without starting all over? And then add my Glofish??

Sorry for the zillion questions.

 

Yep, I also agree that TSS is the product of choice for cycling a tank with fish already in it. Tetra SafeStart is the proper bacteria needed to cycle the filter media. Once you add it you add your fish and sit back and feed them for 10 to 14 days. You don't do water changes and you don't do any testing.

If PetSmart is using the quick dip strips don't trust the results. If they are testing with a liquid kit ask them for the results and don't settle for, "your water tests fine and you are safe to add fish", because I will almost guarantee you that is going to be their answer no matter what water you take into them is like. If they can’t show you that the ammonia and nitrite readings are zero and the nitrates are above 10 then don’t trust the report and get your own liquid master kit, it is money well spent in the long run.

 

Bazillion questions are good, don't worry

I do a big water change, get all the StressZyme out, then add the TSS if you wanted to use it. I'd hate to think the two products might react to each other (though I don't think they will).

 

HAHA yeah I love Petsmart and all but they are ultimately sales people!!

I actually, just added a plant from my smaller aquarium and the old filter to my 20 gallon to give it some ammonia to work with. I will get the water tested tomorrow and continue to get it tested until I see the results I need.

I am thinking about getting a test kit of my own now lol any suggestions?

 

I use both the API and Tetra kits myself and love them because they are simple to use and easy to read as long as you are not color blind then there is a problem. Both kits run around $30 but are well worth the money because you can do a lot of testing with them before you have to replace them. I know others who use the kit by Top Fin and they like it but I have never used one.

Your old filter will help but because I am sure it is way to small to process enough water to completely cycle the tank. Please don’t let PetSmart talk you into more fish until you get the tank cycled and stable.

At least you understand that salepeople are not the best people to get advice from when it comes to purchasing things. The bottom line is they look good to the boss if they make sales and not when they don't.

 

I agree the more questions you ask, the more that you learn. Getting a test kit is a great idea, I recommend API. You should get the masterkit, petsmart should have that one at a decent price. I always liked petsmart because they are decently priced.

 

I use both the API and Tetra kits myself and love them because they are simple to use and easy to read as long as you are not color blind then there is a problem. Both kits run around $30 but are well worth the money because you can do a lot of testing with them before you have to replace them. I know others who use the kit by Top Fin and they like it but I have never used one.

Your old filter will help but because I am sure it is way to small to process enough water to completely cycle the tank. Please don’t let PetSmart talk you into more fish until you get the tank cycled and stable.

At least you understand that salepeople are not the best people to get advice from when it comes to purchasing things. The bottom line is they look good to the boss if they make sales and not when they don't.

Oh no, I won't purchase any new fish until I know for sure things have stabilized. I want to get to a point where I can add the fish I currently have and keep them alive and well before stocking the rest of the tank.

 

Smart ideas! All the people posting in your thread are really smart about all this and have been doing it awhile! You are in good hands!

 

The only dumb question is the one that goes unanswered because it was never asked!

 

The only dumb question is the one that goes unanswered because it was never asked!

I second that!! Ask as many questions as are needed to understand.

 

I also recommend an API master kit! I would get annoyed with having to go to Petsmart every day to test my water.

...Plus I like feeling like a scientist >.>

 

I also recommend an API master kit! I would get annoyed with having to go to Petsmart every day to test my water.

...Plus I like feeling like a scientist >.>

hahahah yeah feeling like a scientist is a silly and enjoyable feeling...every Petsmart in my area was out of API master kits..I bought Tetra Easy Strips...probably terrible, but Petsmart uses them when they test people's water, so I said what the !!

As of today, I have safe/ideal ammonia and nitrite levels, and a hint of nitrates!! I'm going to continue "feeding" the tank with fish food and hopefully by tomorrow or Thursday my 3 Glofish will have a new home!!

I'm more than excited!! Ill give my Glofish some time before I add 2 more to complete their school..one in every color

Can someone please inform me on the steps I should take in regards to introducing my Glofish to their new home and what to do afterwards regarding water changes and water testing?!?!

 

I can tell you from experience that those strips can be as accurate as closing your eyes and pointing at a random spot on the chart

Good to hear things are progressing

 

I really think you don't need to feed the tank so much.

Your current glofish are in an uncycled tank of sorts - if it HAS cycled, the bateria are living in the filter and gravel. If you move the filter and gravel over to your new tank, your making the best of both worlds - more water for your fish, and its kept any "cycle" you had.

If you choose to do this (*which was already recommended but I'm not sure you understood) please do a large water change first to get the old food out. Ponk in the TSS and be happy with your new fish in their new surroundings.

Oh and try and make sure the water temps are as close as possible - if worried, use the water from the old tank too

 

The reason PetSmart uses a test strip is because they are quick and easy to use and they really don't care what your water test results are. They will almost always tell you your water tests fine and then follow that up with “What fish were you looking to buy?”

Test strips are very inaccurate for several reasons. Once they are opened they start drawing moisture from the air and this will cause them to give inaccurate readings. If you touch the test points on the test strip with your fingers the oils from your fingers will cause the test strip to give inaccurate readings. If you leave them in the tank too long the reading will wash out and again give you false readings. I would recommend ordering a liquid test kit or have PetSmart order one in for you.

I also agree with djsmiley2k on their recommendations to go ahead and move the fish if you have some TSS on hand.

 

I do not have TSS.

Could I move them without it? Ive never moved fish, how do I do it? do I float them in a zip lock bag? sorry if that sounds completely idiotic.

 

As stated before you basically have them in an un-cycled tank to start with so adding more water to their environment would be a good thing. Move your filter and gravel, match the water temperatures up as close as possible and treat the water with a good water conditioner like SeaChem Prime or Amquil+ (if your not going to use TSS – if you do use a plain de-chlorinator).

I would completely change out the water in the new tank while doing a good vacuuming of the bottom to remove as much of the food waste as possible. If you feel you can’t match the water temperatures up real close you can use your old tank water and just add a little new water at a time so that you don’t change the waters temperature more than a few degrees at a time.

 

Thanks so much for the advice guys!!

Ill let you know how it goes!!

 

Alright so sorry I haven't been able to post in a few days. Its been a crazy week at school. Drexel is no joke!! Midterms were this week and the start of next so its been a little hectic.

In the best interest of my fish I have decided to go the TSS route. Ive done some reading and research about using but am still a little unsure. Ive read it can not be used with any dechlorinator that locks up or detoxifies ammonia. I have Aqueon water conditioner and I read along the side of the bottle that it does in fact detox ammonia.

That being the case, what is a "plain" dechlorinator I can use. Can I go back to using the Aqeuon after the tank has cycled and the TSS has gotten its chance to work. And Knowing that I have used a dechlorinator that detoxifies ammonia, before I start using the TSS do I have to do a 100% water change?

I hate have any of you repeat yourself, and apologize if you have. Could I get a walk thru of this process? I know this is patience high hobby, so I just wanna get it right!!

THANK YOU!!

 

Tetra recommends using Tetra AquaSafe (big surprize there...right), so that is what I used when I used SafeStart. You can buy pretty small (and cheap) bottles of it.

But you may not have to. It is recommended to wait 24 hours between using a water conditioner that detoxes ammonia and adding SafeStart. So while a little more risky than following the directions exactly (i.e. fill tank with water dechlorinated with AquaSafe, add fish and SafeStart at the same time) it should work.

But if you are worried, you could do a couple of days of water changes with aquaSafe. By that point all Aqueon Water conditioner should be either out of the tank, or no longer effective.

 

Day 1. Water change with Aquaeon - get any old horrible stuff out of tank - make sure its nice and clean, you won't be doing another change for awhile.

WAIT 24 Hours at least

Day 2. Lots of buckets etc ready
Firstly check the water temps - use your finger or if possible a thermometer.
If they are the same or close, move your heater, filter and ornanments to your new tank - Don't try and clean them or anything, keep them as they are as it'll hold some of your bacteria.

If your keeping your gravel, if you can move it without disturbing the fish, move it now.

Now move the fish, using a net if the tanks are close. If they aren't they can go into a bucket, and keep the heater in the bucket instead of moving it directly to the new tank - just make sure the water in the bucket is the same temp as the tanks.

Add TSS to tank following instructions. Add fish to tank.

Watch as fish love their new larger enviroment

After a week or so, if you have a test kit, test your water but don't expect mirecals. TSS can take upto two weeks to properly "get hold" in your tank. After two weeks start normal water changes and continue to test water to make sure everything is good

 

Alright folks, the TSS is in and so are my Glofish.

Hah they look great, they love all the space!! And the filtration in this tank is a lot stronger, so I occassionally see them being swept slightly across the tank. They'll get stronger!! I have the bubbler one, they love it lol

Everyone seems happy, so it's just more a waiting game now!!

Thanks everyone!