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New Member - Lots Of Questions!


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#1 kesaph

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Posted 19 January 2011 - 06:02 PM

I've put off posting for a while while I hit up the LFS and see what they've got...

I've acquired a 3ft tank and am about to fill it with the hope of creating a community tank.
So my first question is...Is this the best forum for community tanks in Perth? I don't seem to able to find any others so locally specific.

I've kept fish before but not for a good few years. In setting up this tank I am hoping to do a fishless cycle.
And here's my 2nd question...I can't find ammonia or ammonia chloride anywhere in Perth. Does anyone know where I can get some? Has any member bought AmmChlor before and thus has any left they will sell/let me have? I read on here that Aquotix had some but a visit there today proved unsuccessful.

I've ordered the new AquaOne Nautilus 800 cannister from the internet and am awaiting delivery (hopefully within the week). Soon as I have this I want to get going, especially knowing how long fishless cycling can take!

Cheers

Craig.

#2 Cawdor

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Posted 19 January 2011 - 06:32 PM

Gday Craig and welcome. Any particular reason you're doing a fishless cycle? From what I hear it can take just as long...
Seeing as you're in Canning Vale as well, you could grab some canister sludge (bacteria) from me for seeding your filter and be all up and running in a fraction of the time smile.gif

#3 kesaph

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Posted 19 January 2011 - 09:25 PM

Cheers Cawdor. I may take you up on the media offer once I know when I'm starting, thanks!
My 2 year old's birthday is on Sunday so it's not likely to be this weekend, maybe next.

re Fishless Cycling - there are a few reasons;
  • I don't want to unnecessarily stress any fish out by cycling a tank with them in it, even if it is *only* a few tetras.
  • It will give me time to get used to my water parameters and setup, perhaps even plant the tank out a little, and decide on what I'm going to stock the tank with.
  • Using other's filter media I know I can reduce the cycle time down considerably and then be able to stock the tank straight away.

Here's one reason that never gets mentioned but strikes me as crucial for our climate;
  • I want to use as little water as possible during the setup. Daily water changes seem a bit crazy for Perth conditions, even if it will end up on my garden.

All in all it seems like it will be far less stressful for any fish I put in and also far more beneficial for the tank system as a whole.

Edited by kesaph, 19 January 2011 - 11:13 PM.


#4 Cawdor

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Posted 19 January 2011 - 10:14 PM

All valid reasons Craig, right now I'm looking into how to best connect my IBC to my gutter so I can collect rainwater when it does rain.
Send me a PM if you want some sludge smile.gif

#5 Fish Antics

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Posted 19 January 2011 - 10:29 PM

I use fish to cycle my tanks, if done properly it should not cause the fish to much stress. The problem lies when to much bio looad is added to the tank to quickly. A good test kit is an esential part of any fish keepers tools. Just as important as nets and and any other accessories. Using the waste water to water plants is just as effective as from the tap, more so because of the trace nutrients.

Having said that there is nothing wrong with which ever approach you choose, so long as you keep your eye on how it is all progressing.

Tony

#6 sandgroper

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Posted 19 January 2011 - 11:09 PM

Cawdor good luck collecting rainwater in Perth.cheers steve

#7 kesaph

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Posted 19 January 2011 - 11:11 PM

Thanks Tony.
I'm expecting big things from my fish watered veggie patch. When money allows I want to set up a proper aquaponics system too!

As for tests, API Master kit is also on order.

Anyone any idea on where to get Ammonia/AmmoniaChloride from?

#8 Cawdor

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Posted 19 January 2011 - 11:21 PM

Steve: yeah I know what you mean, but hey it's 1000L I'm not using from the tap. It may take a year to fill up but it'll get there eventually biggrin.gif

Craig: in case you haven't done so, check out the aquaponics posts by Ivan, he lives close too so you could ask if you can have a look once you get closer to the setting up stage.

#9 mattt

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Posted 19 January 2011 - 11:52 PM

just be aware some fish medication / food have a disclaimer not to use on fish for human consumption. So inturn using that water on your vegies you intend to eat may not be a great idea. I have no idea what nasties they contain but it must be something to warrant a disclaimer.

aquaculture feed is used in aquaponics, made with intent of eating, not your run of the mill aquarium fish food. Also the only medication given is basically salt.

Oh and welcome biggrin.gif

Edited by mattt, 19 January 2011 - 11:55 PM.


#10 kesaph

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Posted 20 January 2011 - 12:02 AM

^^^ I'd forgotten about that. Thanks and thanks Matt.

#11 Mr_docfish

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Posted 20 January 2011 - 08:41 PM

Im sorry we ran out of the ammonium chloride at work..... due to Xmas, we have not bothered to get any more - Ill have more in a few weeks - just have to get a big enough order together to cut down on freight.

I can PM you when it comes in if you have not found a different solution by then.

#12 kesaph

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Posted 20 January 2011 - 09:37 PM

Hi,
If you could pm me that would be great. I really want to do the fishless cycle method. If I have to run a tank with just plants in then I will!

#13 kesaph

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Posted 08 February 2011 - 01:39 AM

A couple of questions about putting stone in my tank;

I currently looking at putting 2 pieces of bogwood in my tank. If I also add a few small (~10cm) pieces of limestone in the tank what will happen to the PH? Tap water is around 8.0, so I would expect the bogwood to bring this down slightly, and was wondering how much the limestone would bump it up, if any?
The limestone is from a naturally occurring garden source - will a scrub be enough or should I boil it? If so, for how long? Not sure I have a pot big enough.

Also, does anyone know where I can get pieces of slate from?

Cheers




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