Still a newbie as to aquariums and I made an amateur mistake. Needed to change the bio-filter material and I rinsed the lava rock and other medium with tap water. I know, I know use tank water only to rinse bio-filter material. Damage has been done.
So I am starting over in getting my bio-filter working. How long does it take to establish a working bio-filter? How often and how much of the water should I change to keep the numbers in a safe range and let the filter to start working?
In a move to "speed up" the process, I purchased Searchem Prime and Searchem Stability. The issue I have with the Prime is the awful smell that does not go away. It makes the area of the house smell. I can say that is does remove Chlorine and Chloramines instantly. I can change 1/3 to 1/2 my tank water and see no difference in the condition of the water. If I use Zoo Med Reptisafe the water in the tank clears up within hours. Showing me that it is not removing the Chlorine and Chloramines.
Testing also takes a special kit, not the standard type. I use the API Freshwater Master Test Kit which does a pretty good job.
Stability helps to remove the film on the top of the water, but I am not sure it did much else. I was hoping it would kick start the bio-filter, but I am not sure that is its primary use.
Anyone with experience with Searchem Prime? Does the smell ever good away? Could the smell be something else even though it only started after adding the Prime? Using the API test kit all looks good other than high ammonia. The color of the test is not muddy as stated as a possible incompatibility issue with the test and Prime. Will be changing about 5 gallons daily with the Zoo Med Reptisafe to help with the possible high ammonia.
Suggesting of a good, but non-smelly product to remove Chlorine and Chloramines instantly? The water company does use Chloramines, so letting it sit for 24 hours does not help.
How about a product that is good at getting a bio-filter started? Using Marineland Zeolite blend with activated carbon a long with lava rocks.
Is aeration in the tank needed and how much?
Thank you for your help!