My First Aquarium!

**midniteryder97** · 10-05-2012, 07:32 AM

Hey everybody! I am 100% newbie. On Tuesday night I purchased my very first aquarium and am extremely excited (and also intimidated!)!. I purchased the Top Fin 55 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit. It came with the Top Fin 60 Power Filter and a 200-watt UL heater, along with two lighted hoods and some other startup goodies. I am currently doing a fishless cycle (as recommended by a friend at a local tropical fish store). He recommended that I use 30 ml of API Stress Zyme+ once a day for three days and then bring him a water sample. I just wanted to introduce myself and get some input on this cycling method and also some constructive criticism on my filter and heater. Thank you all and I look forward to making this forum a second home!!

**Cyberra** · 10-05-2012, 07:45 AM

Welcome to the community.

Please make sure to read our threads on cycling, as some of the information that comes from pet store employees can be... inaccurate. Better safe than sorry!

**gadget228** · 10-05-2012, 09:12 AM

Welcome to the AC...

**DreamingSmaller** · 10-05-2012, 11:57 AM

Welcome to one of the most enjoyable hobbies around,have fun with it and as mentioned,research and get second opinions often (in every aspect of the hobby),too much info is rarely a bad thing

**jeffs99dime** · 10-05-2012, 02:05 PM

Welcome to AC. Glad you are doing fishless. Kudos to you.

**Cliff** · 10-05-2012, 02:08 PM

Welcome to the forum

You will get a lot comments on your filter and/or heater if you ask about that in a new thread in the correct section of the forum.

**AquaCats** · 10-05-2012, 02:18 PM

Welcome to the AC. Make sure you are adding some ammonia source, not just the API stress-zyme. There is a great sticky on this forum regarding fishless cycling, but you still must have an ammonia source. I recommend pure ammonia from somewhere like Ace Hardware. It doesn't contain surfactants and detergents like some others might. Also, if you don't already have one, pick up a good liquid test kit that can test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. That way, you can see yourself how your cycle is progressing.

Again, welcome and good luck!