Dechlorinating....

[fshfrk]

Re: Dechlorinating....

i'm on well water in bridgestone mud. but they still add chlorine. we just have not switched to surface water yet.

[HawgHunter]

Re: Dechlorinating....

So....how long before my 'volunteers' start showing signs if the water isn't right?

[fshfrk]

Re: Dechlorinating....

if theres chlorine in the water it should be right away. but is the tank cycled?

[nacra99]

Re: Dechlorinating....

I 'do' want alot of nitrates????  I thought high nitrates was a sign it's time to clean....

Hah... i best quantify myself.
You are right... high nitrates means it's definitely time to do water changes.
What i meant was (referring to the cycling process) when you start seeing 0 ammonia + 0 nitrItes + lots of nitrAtes, it is indicative that the cycle is complete (i.e you've grown enough good bacteria in your filter sponge and other surfaces)... nothing more.

When you get to this point, you should do a massive waterchange with aged dechlorinated water to get rid of the nitrAtes and you'll be set to slowly stock your tank as per normal. Remember not to rinse your filter sponge too much lest you wash away all the good bacteria that you have been growing during the cycle.

This is typical of the "fishless cycle" method but i find it works just as well with planted tanks. I personally like to use the "fishless cycle" method, but it seems like everytime i mention that phrase i get a lot of hate mail..... Doh!