Need Seeding Materials > Chg'd To My Fluval 12G Fresh Water

[jamilism]

Hello Ottawa

I recently started a 12G tank (Fluval Edge). I read online and so far everything points to a fishless cycle which is what i am doing at this point. I have started dosing pure Ammonia and its been at 4PPM for the last 10 days .... now the only thing that i am missing is seeding materials - they suggest to get old filter media - gravel and such

i was wondering if there is anyone in Findley Creek area or even south keys area who would be kind enough to let me have any of those .... i really like to get the cycle completed ... its hard to explain to the kids and the wife there are no fish in the tank.

Alternately, if you have other suggestions i am more then open to suggestions

[Stussi613]

Welcome to OVAS!

Your best bet would be to try to trade some of your shiny new filter material, like the bio-rings, with someone who has some well seeded ones. That would kick start your cycle for sure.   I don't have any tanks going with that type of media right now, or I would totally help you out.

Anybody out there willing to help out??

[jamilism]

Thanks Stuss, Thanks for having me on board

Fluval Edge 12 Gallon does not have any bio ring but if someone who has a FLucal Edge 12 Gallon - i can give them a brand new 3 pack carbon pack that i ordered with my tank or perhaps new filter media

I am counting on the fact that the seeding material will expedite the process - i could walk into a LFS and ask for some gravel but i am afraid that it will also bring in "non benifical bacteria" and that would just defeat the purpose. Somehow i find that Big AL and Pet Smart are a bit pricey

I was interested to find out if anyone on the board can point me where i can get quality neon tetras or cardinals ... after the full cycle i hope to stock my tank with tetras and celas dianos. I would be interested to pick them up from local breeders rather than big name stores

Welcome to OVAS!

Your best bet would be to try to trade some of your shiny new filter material, like the bio-rings, with someone who has some well seeded ones. That would kick start your cycle for sure.   I don't have any tanks going with that type of media right now, or I would totally help you out.

Anybody out there willing to help out??

[Herstead]

There is also Probidio on the market now which is the good bacteria in glass vials. A bit expensive but can also help jump-start the cycle. I am using it for my 250 gal. saltwater.

- Jonathan

[Stussi613]

I'm going to use prodibio for my tank too

Carbon wouldn't be a good thing to trade, but any of the other filter media and some filter floss would definitely work.

You won't find many breeders of cardinals in town, but you might have luck with the danios.

[jamilism]

Hey Jonathan

Probidio, never heard off it ... But I am sure since two big members recommended the product I will give it a try ... Where can I get it locally.

To be honest I read too much on forums about bacteria in a bottle but I guess I should be listening to experience rather than reading.


Thanks for the advise and if u know where to get em let me know

There is also Probidio on the market now which is the good bacteria in glass vials. A bit expensive but can also help jump-start the cycle. I am using it for my 250 gal. saltwater.

- Jonathan

[jamilism]

What? No cardinal breeders ? Shocked . Lol

Stussi , I would hit u up for more info about he dainos after my tank cycles

I'll give prodibio a try ... Will they work with freshwater or is it sw exclusively.?

Thanks again for the info

I'm going to use prodibio for my tank too

Carbon wouldn't be a good thing to trade, but any of the other filter media and some filter floss would definitely work.

You won't find many breeders of cardinals in town, but you might have luck with the danios.

[Aquaticfinatic]

Prodibio is excellent stuff. Thanks and welcome to the group.

[Herstead]

The original bacteria in a bottle was garbage. They were using bacteria from waste systems which is a completely different environment. The newer products seem to work though.

- Jonathan

[exv152]

I'll give prodibio a try ... Will they work with freshwater or is it sw exclusively.?

Yes it does...check out their link for FW. They also have other products like ferts for plants, ammo lock, etc.

http://www.prodibio.com/our-products/freshwater-treatment

[jamilism]

Good Morning

@ Aquaticfinatic,

I live near Leitrium and Bank ... i bus downtown to work ... Kanata is way off my drive ....  but after all the recommendation - i think i would have to drive that way ... what are your hours ?

@ Jonathan,

I agress - bottled product are garbage - i cant undertand how they can convince people that they are able to store live bacteria in a bottle and expect it to survive weeks and months on a shelf without proper temperature

I need to find a way to get my hands on Prodibio ... anyplace in the South or St Laurent area who sells them ?

Thanks again to everyone for your inputs !

Prodibio is excellent stuff. I sell it at got fish? In kanata. If you want send me a pm and I'll get ya going. Thanks and welcome to the group.

[jamilism]

Forgot To Mention ...

My source of pure ammonia is "Old Country" bought from Home Hardware - i read and was confirmed that that is the best ammnia to get since we dont have "ACE" hardware in CA.

First week i have been doses enough to bring the level to 5ppm ... when there was no change to the reading using API test kit .... i did a 80% water change which i realized was pointless but was ble to bring down the ammonia to 1ppm.

I dosed it back up again on Sunday and the ammonia has not changed... bubbles going on and heather set to 25 ...

I know i need patience ....

[Herstead]

I said it used to be garbage, big difference, they can and do keep bacteria alive like that. That is what Probidio is.

- Jonathan

[sas]

Forgot To Mention ...

My source of pure ammonia is "Old Country" bought from Home Hardware - i read and was confirmed that that is the best ammnia to get since we dont have "ACE" hardware in CA.

First week i have been doses enough to bring the level to 5ppm ... when there was no change to the reading using API test kit .... i did a 80% water change which i realized was pointless but was ble to bring down the ammonia to 1ppm.

I dosed it back up again on Sunday and the ammonia has not changed... bubbles going on and heather set to 25 ...

I know i need patience ....

Ah yes patience, one thing this hobby does teach us very well I must say.

[jamilism]

On that note SAS ... teach me how to get the wife and kids on board 

My kids are asking everyday when will we see the fish, wife on the other hand is sad that i am not going salt water with the tank!

We cant win all i guess !

Ah yes patience, one thing this hobby does teach us very well I must say.

[sas]

Oh yes the fun of explaining. Part of the hobby.
I'd suggest get everyone involved, by getting them to help with water changes,
testing parameters, picking fish and plants.
But it really comes down to some of us are fish geeks and some are not .

[jamilism]

Agreed

My biggest is 7 and the youngest is 5 ... the big princess shows a lot of enthusiasm and loves watching me test the water params. Yesterday was exciting because i tested for nitrates and its showed around 4.0ppm, i think my daughter was more excited then me

My plan is to get them involved in chosing the fishes although i have an idea on what i can and would stock in my tiny 12G.


There should be light at the end of the tunnel

Oh yes the fun of explaining. Part of the hobby.
I'd suggest get everyone involved, by getting them to help with water changes,
testing parameters, picking fish and plants.
But it really comes down to some of us are fish geeks and some are not .

[Mike L]

 Let them choose but give them the options you want as choices. Win, Win.
Mike

[exv152]

I'd suggest get everyone involved, by getting them to help with water changes...

Sue, Will this work with my wife? Lol

[jamilism]

Update

Tank finally cycled 2 weeks back ... went to le niche and got a school (7) cardinal tetras - 2 male guppies and 5 small celastrial zebra dianos. Oh and 2 zebra snails

Kids love the guppies, i personally stare at the cardinals .. they are awesome !

I am afraid to put female guppies in the tank because they might breed - should i just get male guppies only. I will be moving out the dianos soon to another small 10 gallon tank that i found in my garage ... I like to showcase the Fluval with guppies and tetras

Any advise where i can get good show quality guppies in Ottawa ?