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hi all. I wrote in a while ago asking for help with my new 50gal tank and how to transfer everything (5 neons, 4 clown loaches) over. I think i've followed all the instructions but I still wanna know if everything thats happening is normal.

I did the following:
1. found place for the new tank and set it in position.
2. washed new gravel and covered the base
3. Began to add water, and placed new heater in position.
4. when 1/5 full (partly filled with old tank water and fresh tap water, 30 mins later), i turned heater on.
5. added more water and waited until tank temp was equal to old tank temp. (tested pH and found that it was equal to the old one)
6. Put the old filter and air stone in the tank and ran it for about an hour, while waiting for temp to rise.
7. Put new filter in.
8. Ran tank for about 5 more hrs before adding fish
9. Left lights off while fish settled in.
10. I finished at about 6pm.

Throughout those steps, i tried to slowly introduce the old gravel into the tank.

I still haven't filled the tank all the way, as I assume I need the current amount of water to settle before adding fresh tapwater.

This morning i tried to feed my loaches but they ignored the food, instead of fighting over it like usual. I think i remember them doing that when i first bought them, but the 2nd or 3rd day they were fine. I know they're stressed but what sort of behaviour should i be expecting?

I've already lost one of my neons, which i was expecting as i know how sensitive they are to water conditions/changes. Is there anything i can do to make them more comfortable while my tank begins the new cycle? It gives me the eebee-geebies when animals, even fish suffer.

This morning i tested my water, and it was still ammonia and nitrite free. when should these reading fluctuate?

If theres anything i've done wrong, can i fix the problem i may have caused? is there anything i've left out? i really don't want any clown loach fatalities so PLEASE help me out!

Regards,
simpkia.

I'm assuming that when you added the water from the tap that it was dechlorinated properly before putting it in the tank, otherwise it's possible that you killed off some of your bacteria.

Did you transfer the filters as well? If you did you may not see a mini cycle...otherwise it can take a few days. You might try leaving the lights off, that does seem to help calm them. Additionally if you can get some Cycle or biospira that will help speed up any effects of min cycling.
HTH a bit.

^_^

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DAY 2: i've done the tests again this morning. everything is still at zero (ammonia and nitrite). Is this normal, even if my tank is about to cycle? Does it take a bit of time for the ammonia and nitrite to form?

My clown loaches ate the food this morning, after some time, but still, they are acting a little sluggish.

I did dechlorinate the water, but i have to admit, i intially forgot to do this and did it AFTER i added the water to the tank (which already had the old filter, airstone and decorations) so it's quite possible that i have killed the good bacteria and knowing my luck, I'll have to fully cycle the whole tank again!!!

simpkia

Sera have a good product and easy to use Nitrivec (Biostarter) I am in OZ as yoy can see I bought this in a Melb suburb Aqu. I add 10Ml a measured amount for my tank at every water change to keep up the good bacteria. Also after the filter cleaning (in old tank water) I ad 20Ml for the same reason.

Keith

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If you put the old filter on the new tank you may not get any ammonia or nitrites. The old filter brought the bacteria colony with it. Keep an eye on it, check ammonia and nitrite daily and test for nitrates. If the nitrates rise over the next few days and you get no ammonia spike the tank is cycled.

Good luck, Mike