TLC - StartSmart Complete ! (and the Results ARE :)

[Steve]

I never have had issues setting up a tank because of not cycling it.

IMO proper cycling of a tank is very important. Adding fish to a tank that is not cycled might not show any signs of harm that you see at first, but fish going through ammonia/nitrite spike that goes along with a tank that is cycling will do damage to their gills that you are not seeing and is not in the best interest of the fishes health. I fishless cycled my first tank and now just "seed" new tanks with cycled tank media.

Just my .02

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

So I added the starter fish and the StartSmart Complete to the 2nd 55 tank yesterday.  I can't wait to get home and do a test to see where it is at.

I suppose the only way to actually telll if the tank has cycled is if the Ammonia and Nitrite levels are zero and there is a trace of Nitrate showing up on the test.

Question:   Will I see a spike in either the Ammonia or the Nitrites using StartSmart Complete ?

[linuxrulesusa]

So I added the starter fish and the StartSmart Complete to the 2nd 55 tank yesterday.  I can't wait to get home and do a test to see where it is at.

I suppose the only way to actually telll if the tank has cycled is if the Ammonia and Nitrite levels are zero and there is a trace of Nitrate showing up on the test.

Question:   Will I see a spike in either the Ammonia or the Nitrites using StartSmart Complete ?

I do not recall an ammonia spike (perhaps 0.25 or 0.5 briefly) but it seems nitrites went up to 2+ppm for about a day then went away.  But it's been a while and I don't recall where I wrote down the test results, so let us know for comparison.

Are you testing with an API master test kit (liquid drops/test tubs) or something like the Jungle test strips?

[four_by_ken]

Just slowly add fish to the tank... no worries.  Set aside the test kit and enjoy.


 

[linuxrulesusa]

Just slowly add fish to the tank... no worries.  Set aside the test kit and enjoy.


 

IOW, 4xken will replace your fish if they kick the bucket. 

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

I have an API test kit (no crummy strips being used here).  I have two HOB filters running that have been set up and were seeding on my 1st 55 tank the past 5 weeks.  So the filters should already have good nitifying bacteria in them,  the substrate is commercial play sand from Home depot, it has various sizes to it and looks very natural.  The decorations consist of field stone collect from a rock pile next to my house.  In all I have spent only $2.69 for a 50lb bag of sand and another $90 on a DIY stand.  The filters and the heater were acquired via a trade. I also have another $6.50 in paint to paint the back of the aquarium. I would say this set up is about as cost effective as you could get.

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

OK and the RESULTS are:

Ammonia = zero

Nitrite = Zero

Nitrate = est between 10 ppm and 20 ppm.

Conclusions:  THIS STUFF WORKS ! 

[NorthernAquatic]

I have an API test kit (no crummy strips being used here).  I have two HOB filters running that have been set up and were seeding on my 1st 55 tank the past 5 weeks.  So the filters should already have good nitifying bacteria in them,  the substrate is commercial play sand from Home depot, it has various sizes to it and looks very natural.  The decorations consist of field stone collect from a rock pile next to my house.  In all I have spent only $2.69 for a 50lb bag of sand and another $90 on a DIY stand.  The filters and the heater were acquired via a trade. I also have another $6.50 in paint to paint the back of the aquarium. I would say this set up is about as cost effective as you could get.

Cost effective?, YES. Congrats.

[NorthernAquatic]

OK and the RESULTS are:

Ammonia = zero

Nitrite = Zero

Nitrate = est between 10 ppm and 20 ppm.

Conclusions:  THIS STUFF WORKS !

Excellent news. The comments here have helped me to decide, to go ahead, and get a bottle to keep on hand. Thanks everyone.

Question, does this stuff have an expiration date/shelf life?

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

I do not see a date on the bottle...

If you order there is a 20% discount code for the MCA = MCA20.

Go to www.tlc-products.com

[NorthernAquatic]

I do not see a date on the bottle...

If you order there is a 20% discount code for the MCA = MCA20.

Go to www.tlc-products.com

Cool, thank you.

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

The only ill effects from all of his was a spike in Nitrates in the 1st 55 tank.  After testing the 2nd 55,  I tested the 1st 55 and the Ammonia was Zero, Nitrites was Zero, but the Nitrates were off the charts.  I quickly did a 50% - 60% WC, re-tested and the Nitrates were back to normal. I will be monitoring the 1st 55 closely the next couple of days.

As a precaution I just ordered a couple of new filters from F&S: Bio System Power Filter & Oxy Surface Skimmer for $26.19 ea not a bad price for a filter that is supposed to handle 350 gph.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16729&ref=4263&subref=AA&cmpid=E-_-TR-_-OrderConfirm-_-PRDT

[four_by_ken]

Just slowly add fish to the tank... no worries.  Set aside the test kit and enjoy.


 

IOW, 4xken will replace your fish if they kick the bucket. 

 
Dont do anything stupid and slowly add fish... its a deal.  I will.

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

I went to the TLC site and found this info:

StartSmart Complete does not require refrigeration. StartSmart Complete is good for 2 years after purchase. StartSmart Complete is odorless, and contains no toxic chemicals. StartSmart Complete is the smart way to make your aquarium clear.

[four_by_ken]

I went to the TLC site and found this info:

StartSmart Complete does not require refrigeration. StartSmart Complete is good for 2 years after purchase. StartSmart Complete is odorless, and contains no toxic chemicals. StartSmart Complete is the smart way to make your aquarium clear.

Good for two years after purchase... I wonder how long after its opened.