n Sun, 29 Feb 2004 20:49:02 +0000 (UTC), "Grimley_Feindish"
wrote:


"NetMax" wrote in message
...

Without fish to eat them, a fishless cycling tank develops all sorts
of
aquatic bugs, like whiteworms (research planaria and nemotodia) and
inchworms (at least they move that way ;~). Most are harmless. You
might get some aerial critters if some are larvae stage (midge fly,
mosquito etc). I would consider them cheap entertainment until the
fish
can be introduced.

You have an unusual water parameter mixture. Is it natural?

NetMax

It was shop bought spring water (PH 6.5 - 89p for 5 litres - bit of a
bargain) mixed with a little treated tap water. I have a fair bit of
bog
wood in the tank which might account for the softness and PH as my tap
water
is pretty hard and typically ph 7.5 - 8. I've just had a closer look at
the
things, there seem to be several types or they're just at different
stages
of growth. Some of the 'bigger' ones have a sort of short forked tail
and
swim in short bursts.

I like the idea of cheap entertainment, if only I could see them
without
pressing my nose up against the glass

Regarding the water, I'm not a big fan of bottled water, as it's
sometimes bought as a commodity, so the source (and water's recipe) of
the bottling plant can vary, even if it's the same brand. Then there is
the lugging water back & forth, which does not promote regular water
changes for the tank. It does work well for some folks though.

NetMax

I can appreciate your view on the bottled stuff, but it's only 5 x 5l
bottles for a 20% change and the old bottles are handy for knowing exactly
how much you've syphoned out. This stuff has quite a good chemistry make up
on the lable as well. When I first dabbled with tropical aquariums a few
years ago I had a bit of a nightmare with the local tap water. I tried using
collected rain water but this proved such a hassle and unreliable in the
summer and I eneded up being put off the whole thing.

I've got back into it again as I still think they are beautiful things and
am determined to get it all working properly (a little more patience on my
part is going a long way to this end). Reading through groups like this and
having discovered the multitude of web sites dedicated to the art has also
made things a lot clearer - so a big thanks to you all for that

I checked my amonia levels this evening and over night they have dropped to
0 and nitrites have gone off the scale. I guess my amonia converting
bacteria are having a blast, just have to wait for the others to join the
party


Whatever works. I guess water quality varies widely. I live in a
small west Texas town that draws its water from wells. I don't use
anything but tap water, not chemical additives. pH runs 7.5.

If you have moved since your bad experience I would check with others
about the new area's local conditions.

I am lazy and prefer being at home than out gathering supplements.