3 of 3

Write now Article Tools

If you are a beginner fresh water aquariumist and are not attempting to keep difficult fish I have a piece of educated advice for you.
Set your tank up fully 24 hours before buying fish, make sure you have great filtration, proper lighting, do not leave the light on 24 hours a day, and do not overfeed.
Once you have done this do not try to cycle your tank. Forget nitrogen, calcium, ph, and all the other technical stuff. If you are keeping (not breeding) basic fish and not chichlids of any type or other exotic fish you will have an easier time not getting into this mess.

Adding to many chemical agents, doing to much work to your tank, and constantly testing water will end up in costing you way to much money, causing more problems in your tank, and creating unnecessary water condition changes.
My recommendation as a person who owned and operated a pet store for many years is buy some "QuickDip" amonia test strips. Amonia is what kills 90% of fish. It is caused by to much sunlight, overfeeding, leaving a dead fish in the tank too long, and by not properly cleaning your tank on a schedule.
Nitrogen was proven many years ago not to cause fish death and only goes up imediately before the amonia levels begin to rise. The reason for all the hype on Nitrogen and the chemicals is caused by the old school fishers who refuse to accept the last twenty years worth of research and the pet stores who want your money.

Learn more about this author, Kat Stovall.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Cycling an aquarium: The nitrogen cycle?
We want to hear your view. Write now!