setting up a new tank walkthrough?

[graceluvsplatys]

I am setting up a 20g. I need help setting it up!
I have:
1 filter
rocks
4 plants, one teeny plant and a small cave
tank
food, chemicals for the water
all is in the tank with water all running. I know I need a heater, im getting around to it.

what else! cycling?

[Rick Debono]

Have a read of this article:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[graceluvsplatys]

oh, thanks!
also, I cant afford a test kit. whats a reasonable amount of time to wait?

[doug z]

also, I cant afford a test kit. whats a reasonable amount of time to wait?

Umm.. Until you can afford a test kit.. LOL

[pinsonpa]

That's a good one doug:19: (Funny, yet totally serious).

Are you going to try a fishless cycle? If so, I'd read and follow the directions from the article that Rick gave you for starters. It's the safest, most humane way to get your tank established. The problem is that without regular water testing, it will be difficult to know where you are at any given time in your cycle and make adjustments (adding ammonia, doing water changes, knowing when you're finished, etc.).

Instead of buying a good master test kit (API Master Test Kit) you can buy the indiviual bottles of solution seperately. You could probably get away with just spending $5-$7 on the ammonia test solution for a week or two, then go back and get the Nitrite solution. Once you get your Nitirte spike you could then go buy the Nitrate solution. In the long run it will be more expensive to do it this way, you'll end up spending $40+ to get all of the solutions you need (Low range pH, High range pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate) as opposed to getting them all at once in a kit for $25-$30. The only advantage is that you can spread the cost out over several weeks.

While I agree with doug (regardless if he was joking or not), another option might be to take some of your water to your local fish store (lfs). I'd call up any lfs near you and ask if they will test your water for free. Not all will do it for free, but some see the value in trying to create a relationship with you so that you'll become a "regular" (which is a good thing). The problem here is that you'll really need to be testing your water every day and I doubt you'll find a store that will do that (especially since you aren't really a customer yet).

I should add that if you don't buy a test kit you could very well end up spending even more money replacing dead fish. It's sounds harsh, but it's true. Most people that successfully cycle with fish still lose some fish and many end up buying additional products like "Cycle" , "Stability", "Bio-Spira" etc. which can be more expensive than the test kit.

[Wild Turkey]

That's a good one doug:19: (Funny, yet totally serious).

Are you going to try a fishless cycle? If so, I'd read and follow the directions from the article that Rick gave you for starters. It's the safest, most humane way to get your tank established. The problem is that without regular water testing, it will be difficult to know where you are at any given time in your cycle and make adjustments (adding ammonia, doing water changes, knowing when you're finished, etc.).

Instead of buying a good master test kit (API Master Test Kit) you can buy the indiviual bottles of solution seperately. You could probably get away with just spending $5-$7 on the ammonia test solution for a week or two, then go back and get the Nitrite solution. Once you get your Nitirte spike you could then go buy the Nitrate solution. In the long run it will be more expensive to do it this way, you'll end up spending $40+ to get all of the solutions you need (Low range pH, High range pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate) as opposed to getting them all at once in a kit for $25-$30. The only advantage is that you can spread the cost out over several weeks.

While I agree with doug (regardless if he was joking or not), another option might be to take some of your water to your local fish store (lfs). I'd call up any lfs near you and ask if they will test your water for free. Not all will do it for free, but some see the value in trying to create a relationship with you so that you'll become a "regular" (which is a good thing). The problem here is that you'll really need to be testing your water every day and I doubt you'll find a store that will do that (especially since you aren't really a customer yet).

I should add that if you don't buy a test kit you could very well end up spending even more money replacing dead fish. It's sounds harsh, but it's true. Most people that successfully cycle with fish still lose some fish and many end up buying additional products like "Cycle" , "Stability", "Bio-Spira" etc. which can be more expensive than the test kit.

Very good advice

[graceluvsplatys]

Im a kid! I cant drive, or spend 40 bucks on this! Im not that well off. Should I wait like 3 weeks, adding little bits of ammonia/

[Wild Turkey]

Im a kid! I cant drive, or spend 40 bucks on this! Im not that well off. Should I wait like 3 weeks, adding little bits of ammonia/

Ur not gonna be able to accomplish much without and ammonia test kit to start with. You're going to have to figure out a way to get a ride into town or use moms credit card to order stuff online. You will need to add the right amounts of ammonia each day, and its virtually impossible without a test kit.

[pinsonpa]

I wish I could tell you there were some good AND cheap options but I can't think of any.

1) Fishless Cycle (recommended): this really does require a test kit for all the reasons we've already mentioned. Cost ($25 - $29)

2) Cycling with fish (and using a product): you'd have to use hearty (tough) fish like zebra danios and for a tank your size you'd need to start with six or seven of them. To keep the fish from being exposed to toxic (and possibly deadly) water conditions you'd need to add Nytrifying bacteria found in products like "Bio-Spira". Cost ($20 - $22) + cost of fish

3) Cycling with fish (not recommended): again you'd have to use hearty (tough) fish like zebra danios. The problem is you'll likely have fish die in the process which SUCKS. Once you end up buying additional fish to make up for the ones that die you'll be right back up to spending the same as option #1.

Eventually you're going to need a test kit with all three of these options. Some fish stores will test your water for free but they won't do it every single day (or even every week). If they did, you'd still need a ride.

We don't mean to discourage you or get you down, but this isn't a cheap hobby. To do this right and create an environment that is safe for the fish and enjoyable to you it's going to take some start up money and ongoing expense onlong the way. You alreay have almost everything you need. Maybe you can take out a no-interest loan from your folks or an advance on your allowance (or even an early birthday present) to get the test kit.