Did I completely screw up?! Please help. (Introducing fish to new tank)

[killer2001]

You can run the skimmer with no collection cup, thats what I did.

 

[Cell]

I am monitoring, but what’s concerning me the most is my seachem badge is showing 0 but the api test is showing 0.25to0.5. People have told me the apis can be really inaccurate but it still had me worries. Preparing to act would be doing a large water change?

You have the Seachem badge, I wouldn't even bother with the API ammonia test at this point.

 

[GeorgeH]

You have the Seachem badge, I wouldn't even bother with the API ammonia test at this point.

Ok very good to hear. That api test giving me panic attacks. If the seachem shows an ammonia spike I should do a water change and put in a neutralizer?

 

[MaxTremors]

I am monitoring, but what’s concerning me the most is my seachem badge is showing 0 but the api test is showing 0.25to0.5. People have told me the apis can be really inaccurate but it still had me worries. Preparing to act would be doing a large water change?

Unfortunately, cycling with fish is a hold over from the days before bottled bacteria, and a lot of people still give people that advice. That said, it’s not a guarantee that the fish will suffer, if your ammonia badge is saying zero, and the API test is showing 0.25-0.50ppm, I’d trust the badge (plus API tests total ammonia, not free ammonia which is what is toxic, 0.25ppm total ammonia is about 0.01 free ammonia (there is a graph you can google). My point was just that you should always verify that the tank is cycled before adding any livestock, many tanks cycle in a matter of days (if not hours) these days, but you should still verify. A lot of people in the hobby take a lot of unnecessary risks with livestock (this is far from the only way they do),nobody’s husbandry is perfect, but I personally think it’s important to take the route least likely to harm the livestock. I don’t think you did anything wrong, you were given bad/conflicting advice, but my advice would be to always take the more conservative/less risky approach (at least until you’re more experienced and know where you can safely cut corners).

But, given that you’re not seeing a massive ammonia spike, you’re probably in the clear and your fish will be fine, just keep a close eye on them, keep testing (and log test results), you should see the ammonia level go down in the next couple days (though you may never get a true 0ppm with the API test kit).

 

[GeorgeH]

Unfortunately, cycling with fish is a hold over from the days before bottled bacteria, and a lot of people still give people that advice. That said, it’s not a guarantee that the fish will suffer, if your ammonia badge is saying zero, and the API test is showing 0.25-0.50ppm, I’d trust the badge (plus API tests total ammonia, not free ammonia which is what is toxic, 0.25ppm total ammonia is about 0.01 free ammonia (there is a graph you can google). My point was just that you should always verify that the tank is cycled before adding any livestock, many tanks cycle in a matter of days (if not hours) these days, but you should still verify. A lot of people in the hobby take a lot of unnecessary risks with livestock (this is far from the only way they do),nobody’s husbandry is perfect, but I personally think it’s important to take the route least likely to harm the livestock. I don’t think you did anything wrong, you were given bad/conflicting advice, but my advice would be to always take the more conservative/less risky approach (at least until you’re more experienced and know where you can safely cut corners).

But, given that you’re not seeing a massive ammonia spike, you’re probably in the clear and your fish will be fine, just keep a close eye on them, keep testing (and log test results), you should see the ammonia level go down in the next couple days (though you may never get a true 0ppm with the API test kit).

Thank you, and yes I will definitely be taking the conservative route in the future. Even if this turns out fine the stress and worry of potentially harming the livestock is just not worth it

 

[Tamberav]

I think you will be okay. If you feel the product is not working, biospira can be found at petco and it is pretty fast acting stuff. I have used it in emergency situations for QT fish.

That being said, setting up a tank this way is not my preferred method. It is already done, but definitely take your time in this hobby It is not a race to the finish line but a journey.

Red Sea has an ammonia test kit I would trust a lot more then API if it helps your anxiety.

 

[GeorgeH]

I think you will be okay. If you feel the product is not working, biospira can be found at petco and it is pretty fast acting stuff. I have used it in emergency situations for QT fish.

That being said, setting up a tank this way is not my preferred method. It is already done, but definitely take your time in this hobby It is not a race to the finish line but a journey.

Red Sea has an ammonia test kit I would trust a lot more then API if it helps your anxiety.

Thank you so much for the advice!

 

[tanked4u]

Pretty much echoing what everyone else said....

- API Ammonia test is garbage. Throw it out. I like the Salifert one instead. Probably do daily tests for the near future.

- Have some saltwater mixed, heated and ready to go if the ammonia badge and/or your Salifert test alert. An emergency water change will knock it back down and will not disturb the cycle.

- Clowns have some really weird behavior. Don't read too much into it. My two guys slept every night on top of the return pump nozzle for the first 6 months. The first time I saw it, I thought they were dead.

- Regular, weekly water changes will save your fish and corals while you are moving through through the learning curve.

- This hobby can be surprisingly stressful until you get the hang of it. There will be some setbacks unfortunately. It is part of the learning experience. I am 5 years in and just now getting to the point where I feel comfortable with my tank. The journey is fun though. You can do it.

 

[GeorgeH]

Pretty much echoing what everyone else said....

- API Ammonia test is garbage. Throw it out. I like the Salifert one instead. Probably do daily tests for the near future.

- Have some saltwater mixed, heated and ready to go if the ammonia badge and/or your Salifert test alert. An emergency water change will knock it back down and will not disturb the cycle.

- Clowns have some really weird behavior. Don't read too much into it. My two guys slept every night on top of the return pump nozzle for the first 6 months. The first time I saw it, I thought they were dead.

- Regular, weekly water changes will save your fish and corals while you are moving through through the learning curve.

- This hobby can be surprisingly stressful until you get the hang of it. There will be some setbacks unfortunately. It is part of the learning experience. I am 5 years in and just now getting to the point where I feel comfortable with my tank. The journey is fun though. You can do it.

Thank you so much, I’m feeling much better now. The one I was concerned with is moving and pretty active this morning but it’s really reassuring to know they just act weird like that sometimes

 

[Belivie0619]

If you've added more bacteria than the bottle suggests and have rock and filter media, you're gravy. If the fish stop acting derpy and hang out gasping, then do something. Get a good nitrate test kit, salifert seems to be a popular name, I use hanna but you don't need to spend that much now. If nitrates are present you have a cycle.

Saltwater takes time.

For research, I liked brs's beginner series. And if there is anyone in this thread you can trust it's @Jay Hemdal

Brs’s beginner series?? What is this?

 

[Mschmidt]

Brs’s beginner series?? What is this?