good news

[lef22]

today is the seventh day since the last water change(which was extremely nesessary due to high amonia, nitrite levels)...and i'm happy to inform you that nitrite levels are still zero! i repeat that i've only been operating the aquarium for three weeks(two with fish) and ask: could my cycle be complete?(reminder: i've only got 4 fish in a 200l tank, maybe that has smth to do with it)
still havn't purchased a complete test kit with amonia testing
Also i just added some more plants to the aquarium, the loaches really seem to love the bacopa australis:ssmile:

[Northernguy]

You should be doing water changes more often then that when cycling with fish.
You also really need an ammonia test kit!Your ammonia levels may be rather high at the moment.Do a large water change.Take a sample before the w/c and have it tested for ammonia levels.
Do you fish have pink or red gills?

[lef22]

actually i think so..not too sure, they always looked like this i think.To be more specific the area above the gills, the cheeks(?) is a bit red.

[lef22]

btw...is there any quick way to do big waterchanges? because it takes me about 2 hours to change like50% of the water last time

[PostalPenguin]

Python is really the only fast way, they are kind of expensive though.

I do my water changes on my two tanks by using a bucket which is a major PITA. Though I did make it easier by getting a fountain pump so I can just put the pump in the water and let it pump water into the tank. But I still have to lug buckets around.

[robflanker]

Lovleeko has a good DIY python;
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

I used it and it was great. I made one for me, and one for the girlfriend. Still costs about $20-25 to buy all the parts, but its a lot cheaper than buying the 50ft python.
Totally worth it in my opinion

[Jaster]

I agree you really need an ammonia test. I did a fish cycle and I had to do water changes almost daily for 2 weeks. I would do at least a couple a week if you can. Thats great news about the nitrites though. Sounds like it's coming along.
The pythons are great for water changes. It is actually something thats worth the money spent. Though there is nothing wrong with the DIY version and saving money! Use that saved cash to get a nice test kit for yourself. thumbs2:

[jackson17]

I can get one for 25 by me. Thats weird lol

[robflanker]

I can get one for 25 by me. Thats weird lol

The 50ft version? It usually goes for around $70-80 in LFS around me

[jackson17]

The 50ft version? It usually goes for around $70-80 in LFS around me

ya lol. The place that carries it isn't the greatest for fish quality, but they have good products (filters ect)

[lef22]

after the red gills thing, i did a water change and added amonia neutrolizisation liquid.Next day i bought an amonia test kit(nh4, nh3) for 12$!!!seriously very expensive, and it only tests for amonia. 2 days now since last water change(even though i don't know if i had amonia at the time) and nitrites still 0 and amonia actually 0 or close enough at least.
Btw what is this python? i currently do waterchanges with the gravel cleaner