Setting Up New 10 Gallon Tank

HI everyone. I wanted to set up a new 10 gallon tank, and wanted to do it humanely without killing any fish. (Learned that the hard way) And I was wondering what would be the most effective, and humane way to do so? I've tried finding 100% ammonia, but no place sells it around me. I have my filter, heater, thermometer, decorations, tank and all, but I don't want to set it up until I'm sure of how I'm doing it. So any help and tips would be appreciated And I have already read on the nitrogen cycle.

 

If you can't find pure ammonia, then you'll have to do a fish-in cycle. The bacteria needs ammonia to feed on and grow.

Are you planning on adding bottled bacteria? Quite a few members recommend the Tetra Safe Start Plus (make sure it's Plus).

I'll let the experts take over from here, I don't feel confident walking you through fish-in cycling. Good luck!

 

Fish food makes ammonia

 

I don't know where you're located but if you're in the U.S., Ace Hardware carries pure ammonia. You could also order Dr. Tim's ammonium chloride online. Bottled pure ammonia is more ideal since it's more precise. Fish food takes a lot longer to break down and you can't control how much ammonia is being produced.

 

Hi, I just cycled two ten gallon tanks. I read about nitrogen cycle. And bought pure Ammonia from ace hardware. I ended up getting tetra safe start plus from PetSmart. You just add a half a cap full. And add . I only added two fish. So your Ammonia does not spike too high. I also transferred two 2 yr old Zebra danios glow fish into the 2nd ten gallon tank. I did this yesterday. I will take water readings with master kit for fresh water. Also from PetSmart. The fish are doing great right now. After the Ammonia is lowered to zero. And nitites also at 0. I will add two more fish in each tank. Then watch water by testing. I will try to get a total of 6 glow fish in each tank. Then I will add two bottom catfish to eat the waste at bottom of tank. I will do water changes by siphoning the gravel each week. No more than 15-25% water change. As to not shock fish. I hope this helps. If you have questions just ask. I also added water and set up tank. Let filter run for 24-48 hrs. Before adding tetra safe start plus. Then add fish. Wala you have set up and cycled your ten gallon tank. Jeff

Also use a dechlorinator. To take chlorine out of tap water. I use Prime. When adding water.

 

Thanks guys So it's basically a waiting game. Any general Idea how long this usually takes? My plan for my 10 Gallon is a Male Beta Splenda, and 6 Pygmy Corys. I plan on adding my Betta first, then a couple of corys as my tank progresses.

 

Cycling takes a minimum 2-3 weeks with a bacteria supplement. Here are really great instructions on how to fishless cycle with pure ammonia and a bacteria supplement like TSS+ or Stability.

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfi...-other-bacterial-starter.251982/#post-2619716

I will mention that I would not add corys to this tank size as they really do best in a 24" long tank minimum. Pygmy corys are also not temp compatible with a betta.

 

Ah okay thank you very much for the advice