Re: cycle and water problems

Our tap water is so disgusting we don't drink it any more.  I have set up a
rainwater collection system...but that's a mile away from where you are.  We
have a 150 gallon aquarium.  I would recommend what others have told me.  Buy
drinking water from the grocery store and change it out by at least half.  

When we set up out 150 gal. we allowed it to cycle for 6 weeks before adding
fish.  I know that's beyond the point, but do change the water with spring water
or drinking water sold in Walmart for about 50 cents a gal. for now.

On Sat, 29 Nov 2003 20:06:56 GMT, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Ivy) opined:

>
>I've set up a new 60L (15 gallon) tank, with a few fish and plants,
>and have been waiting about a month for it to cycle.
>I'm using a whisper 20-30 gallon filter with carbon and a bio 
>sponge. I also borrowed a handful or two of gravel from the
>(excellent) local fish store to start things off.
>
>The ammonia did drop from initial high spikes, but it has been staying
>way too high, between .25-1.5mg/l according to my tetra test kit. So
>I've been doing small (5-10%) water changes daily (with a gravel
>cleaner), and adding Cycle as recommended.
>
>Today I finally realised something was off and tested my tapwater.
>It's pH 9, and has at *least* 1.5 mg/l ammonia.  Testing after I
>add dechloramine stuff makes it even worse, nearly 3 mg/l!  What
>can I do?  I don't think my filter has specific nh4/nh3 removing
>inserts.  I have access to reverse osmosis water, but I don't
>want to try and condition it, as I'm in favour of natural systems
>as much as possible.  Would adding more plants help? Can
>ammocarb be added to the tank water?
>
>The fish actually seem fine, I don't see any gasping and they swim
>around randomly, but it can't be good for their long term health.  The
>snail does seem to be decimating my plants.
>
>thanks in advance
>Ivy 
>