foofooree

YAY, the tank isnt dead! I look forward to the updates

Diana K

Galvanized pipe may have zinc on the surface. The small surface that is exposed to the water may not make a big impact on the tank, though. Depends on the water chemistry.

Simply from a plumbing note: threading male metal parts into female plastic parts can lead to overtightening the connection and cracking the plastic. There are all sorts of plastic fittings instead of using the galvanized parts you have used. If Lowes does not carry them other hardware stores might, or a plumbing store might. An irrigation store will carry these parts.

How is the cycling going? Maybe too late now, but is Bio Spira available near you? This would add a big dose of the proper nitrifying bacteria to the tank.
I would also toss those rocks in (carefully ;- 0 ) for a greater surface for the nitrifying bacteria to grow on.

helgymatt

The tank is well cycled by now! I feel that if I get everything moved and set-up with plants quickly I can keep my bacteria going in my filter in order to not have to completely recycle the thing.

I do a 50% weekly water change so I am not so concerned about the small piece of galvanized pipe. I was extra careful not to over tighten anything. No leaks in 3 months so I think everything should be OK. Maybe I'll change out some of the metal pieces once I make the move.

What is Bio Spira? I'm guessing some kind of cycling booster.

Diana K

When scientists first started studying the microorganisms that live in an aquarium filter they found several that seemed to be the ones responsible for turning ammonia and nitrite into nitrate. The bacteria they found had a dormant stage, were easily bottled and had a reasonably long shelf life. Unfortunately these are the wrong bacteria. However, these are the ones that you will find in most cycle assisting products. Even if they are not specifically labeled as to what species of bacteria, they are often labeled, "Use with every water change"- Hint: These bacteria do not hang around in the filter.

Marineland started making some investigations and growing microorganisms in different ways and found the bacteria that are the real workhorses in a filter. They also found that these bacteria do not have a dormant phase, and had to be kept cool (not frozen) in transit and until used in an aquarium. These shipping and handling concerns have created problems and reports of failure when using Bio Spira: it either froze or cooked somewhere in the loop. They have been working on this problem so the material does not need to be refrigerated and will have a longer shelf life.
It is, however an excellent way to cycle a new tank: Add Bio Spira, let it circulate for a short time, then add fish. The first week might show very minor blips of ammonia or nitrite, then the cycle is finished.
I think there are at least 3 companies, maybe 4 packaging these bacteria now.
For more info have a look at Marineland's web site.
Tetra makes a product with the correct bacteria, but I think it is only available in Europe.
Fritz' Turbostart seems to also promote fast cycling, but is not labeled for content.
The scientist at Marineland that did a lot of the work developing Bio Spira might have a similar product on the market called something like 'The One and Only' You might google this with the name Tim Hovanek (I think that is the spelling)

Another way to grow these bacteria is in a fishless cycle. This is a very good way to avoid the stress and damage tot he fish caused by a fish-in cycle. You said the fish were gasping at the surface, and the ammonia was high (until you ran out of test strips). The fish were gasping because the ammonia is burning their gills, and they cannot breath. After the ammonia removing bacteria grow to a big enough population the nitrite spikes. This causes Brown Blood Disease which can also kill the fish. (Google it, too) The end result is fish that have had such stress that they may always be unthrifty, short lived, sensitive to minor problems. The damage from the ammonia in the gills may only partially heal.

Using either a fishless cycle or Bio Spira is a lot faster, and much safer for the fish.

helgymatt

Thanks for the very good information Diana! Although the tank is cycled now, I understand what you mean about the fish having permanent damage. I recently have had a few losses for unknown reasons. Maybe that is from previous damage from the ammonia, there is no way to know for sure. Recently, a couple of those cichlids have figured out how to jump out of the tank, almost like they are attacking me. I'm not sure if they are angry about their past or if they are really hungry! One of those that jumped out later died a few days later, maybe from head trauma. I'll be getting rid of these fish soon so make room for more plant friendly species so hopefully no more try to commit suicide. If I was keeping them in there for the long term I would invest in some kind of glass or acrylic top.

When I move this tank I think I'll go out and look for some Bio Spira!