what are the proper chemicals to add to an aqurium before adding fish and is this part of the cycling process?

Question

I was wondering if cycling itself is good enough for preparing the water for goldfish and if not what chemicals do I add to the aqurium?

Let's assume I'm not using goldfish but a sensitive species. What chemical route do I go if any.

I was told to set the tank up completely, including a bio-wheel and feed the tank , minus the fish,for 4 weeks. is this correct?

Answer 1

First, you will need to use dechlorinator of course then you can cycle your tank.

There are two ways, using fish or a fishless cycle. To use fish you would get just 1 or 2 small fish for the tank and allow the ammonia to slowly build up and start the bacterial process.

For fishless cycling you will replace the fish with another source of ammonia. This can be a small piece of seafood like shrimp, fish oyster, whatever or fish food added a little each day or even straight ammonia for household use. Be sure that is just ammonia though, no soaps in it at all.

Either way you will add your ammonia source and watch for the ammonia to rise then drop again. As the ammonia drops, nitrites will rise and then they too will drop as nitrates rise. When your test kit shows no more nitrites your tank is ready for fish.

Some stores stock bacteria ready to go and the claim is that you add this bacteria and it's instantly ready for fish. I have never used these products and can't comment on how well they work.

MM

Answer 2

A good dechlor is all you need. Yes, let your tank run for around 4 weeks feeding and waterchanges

This will cycle your tank nothing else is needed in your tank.

Also, test your water. This will allow you to know where your ammonia, nitrates, ph etc. are in the tank.

Answer 3

ideal element to do is to discover a sturdy aquarium save and ask them to grant you some water from their tanks. that is not any longer completely mandatory yet whilst this tank is on your son you do no longer prefer his fish to die on him. via getting save water you will have already got the micro organism advance which will take time to attain whilst commencing a sparkling gadget. The chemical factors you may desire to deal such as your faucet water is a product referred to as 'rigidity coat' or the different 'water growing to be older scientific care' to eliminate chlorine debris extra for the time of scientific care. - reachable hint - whilst it rains heavy use this on your benefit. positioned a pair of huge buckets out in the rain and additionally you may have organic water for a tank exchange. no longer something extra ideal than natures very own. desire this facilitates. playstation With a sparkling tank do no longer inventory the fish too comprehensive to quickly, they'll would desire to be put in a pair in step with week to be triumphant

Answer 4

You need to add water conditioner, which is really cheap at any pet store or even wal-mart. This dichlorinates the water and makes it safe for fish :)

Answer 5

Chemicals are generally bad in the aquarium with a few exeptions. You just want to add declorinator. How are you cycling?

Answer 6

If it's just gold fish, then a few gallons of distilled water should do. There's no chlorine in that.

Answer 7

Hydrochloric acid