I have 75 gallon tank. It had turtle in it about a year ago. Since I moved its been empty. I would like to fill it with zephyrhill's water because it keeps it cleaner. But It would cost to much to do. Would it be a good idea to put water in it with nutralizers and let it run for 2 weeks?
2006-12-11 06:34:21 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Sorry, but Cycle is a waste of money :( I don't why petstores sell it. What you need in the water for it to be safe for fish is colonies of nitrifying bacteria to break down the ammonia and nitrites. That's what cycle is, but it's the DEAD bacteria. You need live bacteria. Try to get some Bio-Spira.
Otherwise, fill it up as usual, and use dechlorinator.
Do you have access to an established tank? These bacteria live in the gravel and in the filter cartridge, so if you can get some from another tank, you can put the bacteria right into your tank (don't let the gravel or filter cartridge dry out). If you do this, in a day or two, your tank will beready for fish.
Or, get Bio-Spira. It is the actual live bacteria in a little pouch, and your tank will instantly be ready for fish. http://fishstoretn.com/bio_spira.html
Or just 'feed' your tank fish food every few days (or put a piece of fish in there) and the ammonia will build up, and eventually the bacterial colonies will develop on their own. It can take 2-5 weeks so it is worth investing in a Testing kit, or at least an ammonia and nitrite kit so you can monitor levels (you'll see an ammonia spike, then a nitrite spike, then a nitrAte spike with your ammonia and nitrites at 0 - then it's ready for fish)
It never hurts to research the nitrogren cycle. It's easier to cycle a tank when you understand why you're doing it.
2006-12-11 06:47:46 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Are you planning on putting fish in the tank now?
Make sure you get a good quality filter, and clean out the tank very good. I would question the "salmonella" the turtles carry. Ask someone else about that one!
2006-12-11 06:48:08 · answer #2 · answered by enyates2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, that is what I do...be sure to use some "Cycle", that speeds it up quite a bit.
Usually, once the filters start to turn brownish and some algae develops, I know it is good to go. Also, make sure to test the water once a week to make sure the levels are good to go. Then you can correct if necessary.
2006-12-11 06:38:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes and get some test fish to bring up waste
2006-12-11 06:54:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋