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I've had it running for about a month and did the old pee in it a couple times to jump start it. Have had about 3 dozen creek chubs in there for 2 weeks and they seem to be doing great. Currently hanging around 60*. Waiting on the damn cooler weather. Checked my ammonia levels and it was high around 2ppm but that doesn't surprise me that much. Did a half water change. How much longer do you think I have to wait for the filter to finish cycling? I'd love to start filling it up with shiners to prepare for winter but don't want to rush it
how do you know if the bacteria count is up and doing good...is there a test?
Just stumbled on a great method of eliminating ammonia from the tank. Went out and trapped some bait so I had to fill my bucket with pond water to transport them home. No waders so I had to take the nasty, stinky, dirty water from right next to shore. It was so bad, I was in a big hurry to get them home for fear they would suffocate. My tank needed a water change, as I could smell it. It was a bit low anyway, so I just poured then water from the bucket into the tank. The next day the tank was crystal clear and did not smell at all! I even had some duckweed hanging out in the filter, lol. My setup is in a dark basement and never grows bacteria. I think that when it gets colder, this "dirty" water won't be available, but it is a short term solution for now.On a side note, I am getting baby sunfish 3 to 1 vs shiners in my traps. Any suggestions? This is my first season trying. Thanks.