Tank Setup

[Rexx]

Hi everyone. I need some help. I have setup my tank about a week ago. According to the LFS guys, this is the time to start putting in some fish. I don't know what you other people say, but I suppose I must first test my water. The problem is thet the testing kit costs about $40, and baing a student, I dont really have the money. Any ideas on other ways to make sure the water is safe?

[genitor]

You need to cycle your tank before you add fish. Download the free e-book from the menu on the left, it's a source of vital information.

[frizzlefish]

Buying the huge master test kit is costly. You may want to just pick up an ammonia kit and a nitrite kit to start. Those are the most deadly to fish, so if you have a handle on them it's better to know BEFORE you put fish in.

You can also take water samples in to the LFS and they'll test them too.

[gm72]

Go with a fishless cycle. Do NOT add fish, cycling with fish is more difficult and is far more stressful on the fish. There is a sticky post here about fishless cycling. I have done it twice, it is super easy. Also agreed with downloading the free ebook. Awesome guide.

[cocoa_pleco]

Just get the water tested at the store and make sure the ammonia is 0 and the nitrates are low

[Lady Hobbs]

This same test kit can probably be purchased online for $14. If you have other things you need, I'd suggest buying online. Cycling your tank will depend on the size. Large tanks can have fish added right away as the water doesn't reach such high toxic levels. Smaller tanks need cycling. Even with a large tank, you should only add a few fish to start with tho.