Can a sponge or SOS nylon scrubbing pad be used as a bio filter media?

wrote in message
...
I've got another question about my goldfish.
I've got the big one in a new 30 gallon tank.
The ammonia was quite high, so I added some "ammonia clear" tablets
to neutralize it. The API test kit still shows high ammonia, but the
instructions said that the kit would still test positive.
I never cycled the tank. I just dumped the fish in. Can you
tell I'm a completely idiotic newbie?

I would start doing partial water changes to bring the ammonia down to safe
levels.

My tap water (from a well) has a very high ph (at least 8.8)
What should I do about it? It is terribly hard and has messed up
our pipes for years with lime deposits.

Goldfish acclimate well to PH that high. Don't start messing with the PH.

I have a 4" airstone running full-time.
My uncle dug out an old Whisper filter that sits on the outside of the
glass. I bought a new filter bag and carbon for it. But it no longer
has the bio filter media.
Can I take one of those green nylon scouring pads by SOS (3M)
and use that inside the whisper as the media for the bio-bugs? Or
how about a sponge? (new & unused for both)
I went to the local pet store today, and they sell filter bags
& carbon, but they don't sell bio-filter material.

No comment as I use Aquaclears.

I want to get the ammonia down and get the bacteria going as
quickly as possible. I just don't know what to use as the "home" for
the bacteria.

Some here recommend Bio-Spira as the only one that really works. Meanwhile
start those partial water changes and vac out any uneaten food that you see
on the bottom.


Thanks.

(I bought some :"cycle " by nutrafin to get the bacteria started.)

Also, is spring water OK to use for water changes?

Yes, as long as the temp is very close to the temp of the tank water.


Thanks for helping out this totally ignorant newbie.

Please also Google Goldfish+care, Aquarium+cycling etc.


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RM....
Frugal ponding since 1995.
rec.ponder since late 1996.
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