Hello there!

[TrickyT]

Hi everyone.

My name is Tom and having just signed up I thought I would introduced myself.

I am in the process of returning to the hobby after around 6 years away. In some ways it could be 50 years, surprising how much you forget and how much changes. Trying to remember everything I learnt back then.

In the past I had a 240 litre Mbuna set up. I then managed to get a 6ft Frontosa set up. Unfortunately there was a disaster and I lost them. I then moved house and unfortunately, due to a 'change in circumstances' I ended up having to leave my tank. That was 6 years ago and I've not had a fish since. My dad set up an Oscar tank with my old Frontosa tank but I've not had one due to living in apartments etc.

Well I'm now back in my own place, with a new lovely house, which in turn has allowed me to return to my passion! Although my space is still a bit limited so I can't get exactly what I wanted tank wise. So I've got myself a Juwel Rio 125 litre! I've removed the internal filter and will be getting one of those highly rated, yet reasonably priced, All Pond Solutions external one. Probably the 1400 l/h one which should be sufficient.

As for stock...difficult! Decisions, decisions...I had agonised over Tangs v Malawi. Lots of decision changes later and I've FIBALLY decided on.....my trusty and lovely Mbuna. I recognise that I'm somewhat limited with option so I've decided that I'm going to go with a species tank of Saulosi.

Still in the process of setting the tank up with rocks but need some more. I have Pool Filter Sand ready and waiting. I then need to start my very first fishless cycle (ammonia is VERY difficult to locate but good old eBay!) and then hopefully by August/September I will be ready to get the Saulosi from Midlands Malawis who I understand have a batch on the way.

I'm really looking forward to it and starting up again. I will be doing a tank setup thread I'm sure!

[trumps]

Hi and welcome

Agreed with Kev regarding the safestart, used this on my recent six foot set up and not had any problems

[TrickyT]

Wow, really? No cycling?

That just makes me...I don't know....nervous?

What sort of product would do this? I've never trusted many of the bottled bacteria because of the lifetime of the bacteria in relation to the way they're stored and transportation.

This could make things much easier, but everyone seems to still talk about fishless cycling...?

[trumps]

It's called tetra safestart

I have used this on the last four tanks that I have set up and had no problems

[TrickyT]

So how come fishless cycling is still talked about so much? Surely there would be no need to do it at all?

Is it just a case of some people being overly cautious?

[matt_harry_harrison]

I have to confess to being nervous using Tetra safe start, but I set up a tank from scratch and added wilds + safe start with no losses or water quality problems (in fact randy devils bred in first week or so) so I guess it's a good as you can get with an instant cycle........

Matt

[Rdwh]

Hi Tom a belated welcome to the forum, I hope you enjoy your time here

[maxie]

tom, i recently went the safe start route after being advised to by the guys here and all was good.. good luck with the new tank.