Page 2 of 2

Re: How to initially cycle your tank?

PostPosted:01 Jul 2020 21:50
by TheMuggle
odin wrote:I agree, I always find that liquid test kits are way more accurate. I’m not sure if it will go on it’s own but you can do water changes to reduce it.. did you try testing the water you brought?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
I haven't since I didn't have my test kit until afterwards but I will shortly. I feel a bit silly now because I just invested into test strips because they were cheaper but now I may pay for the liquid test kits haha...

Re: How to initially cycle your tank?

PostPosted:01 Jul 2020 22:23
by odin
If you do go the liquid test kit route, don’t be tempted to fill the tubes to test directly from the tank as this can introduce the test chemicals to your clean water. :wink:

Re: How to initially cycle your tank?

PostPosted:01 Jul 2020 22:33
by TheMuggle
odin wrote: 01 Jul 2020 22:23 If you do go the liquid test kit route, don’t be tempted to fill the tubes to test directly from the tank as this can introduce the test chemicals to your clean water. :wink:
Thanks, don't want that cross contamination! Can you help me with choosing a proper test kit? Out of these options should I choose the freshwater option?

https://www.amazon.com/API-FRESHWATER-8 ... 771&sr=8-1

Also besides the possible chlorine problem, should I worry about the pH? I thought the calcium carbonate and sea barnacle I added would keep it higher

Re: How to initially cycle your tank?

PostPosted:01 Jul 2020 22:49
by TheMuggle
Update: I used the test strips to test my distilled water, tank water, and tap water and there is a detectable level of chlorine in the tank. Oddly, the tap water didn't detect a noticeable level of chlorine, so now I'm really wondering where the chlorine came from. I still do plan to get the liquid test kit, however, what do you think I should do about changing my tank water? Should I change half? Should I wait?

Re: How to initially cycle your tank?

PostPosted:02 Jul 2020 02:37
by odin
Id buy the saltwater one but from looking it won’t do chlorine, id also do a 50% water change and take it from there. For the PH 7 - 8 is fine, it won’t drop lower because of your calcium carbonate. Your bacteria is mostly in your substrate so don’t worry about your water changes slowing down the cycling process.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Re: How to initially cycle your tank?

PostPosted:02 Jul 2020 16:30
by TheMuggle
odin wrote:Id buy the saltwater one but from looking it won’t do chlorine, id also do a 50% water change and take it from there. For the PH 7 - 8 is fine, it won’t drop lower because of your calcium carbonate. Your bacteria is mostly in your substrate so don’t worry about your water changes slowing down the cycling process.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Thanks for the help! Do you think I should remove the dead sea fan btw? I read some posts about how it has caused issues if it starts to be broken down by bacteria.

Re: How to initially cycle your tank?

PostPosted:06 Jul 2020 00:07
by opae ula related
I previously had a seafan for many years with no issues.